Smoking Instrument Panel

[maximos]

The other day I pulled my headlight knob and a burning smell filled my car. At the time I assumed the smell was outside but then I realized that my instrument panel lights were not coming on. I just checked the fuse and it was blown and I replaced it. I pulled the knob again after replacing the fuse and white smoke began to come out of the left side of the dash (the instrument panel light still didn't work). Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Chythar]

Your headlight switch just fried out, time to replace it. They're known for going bad, though not as often on our cars as the fox's. DON'T use the headlight switch until you replace it! You don't want to damage anything else. I believe Latemodel Restoration has them.

 

[Stanger007]

It's the headlight switch, common problem unfortunately! We had one in the shop last week with the same problem.

Take off the bezel around the gauge cluster (two torx screws above the speedo and pull the headlight switch off) and you can get to the switch.

Check to see if the switch and/or connector is burnt.

The connector is here: 94-04 CONNECTOR, HEADLIGHT SWITCH MUSTANG

You can get the switch locally at the parts store.

Wes

 

[maximos]

Which local store typically has them? I searched at Advance Auto Parts and the part looks different than the one you both referred me to.

While we find your parts, please enter your ZIP Code at PartsAmerica.com

 

[Stanger007]

Try HL20731 or DS531 at advanceautoparts.com.

You'll find it if you search for "headlight switch" for 94/95 Mustangs.

Wes

 

[maximos]

The issue that I'm having is that the part on Late Model Restoration and the part on Advance Auto are two different pieces (according to their images). Which piece do I need?

 

[Chythar]

Looks like I was wrong - Latemodel Restoration only has the connector, not the switch. You may want to order the connector because yours is likely melted somewhat. I couldn't tell you which of the parts at Advance Auto Parts is the right one, the photos both look different than our switch.

 

[desertcox05]

same thing happened to me but without the smoke. i'll be getting a new sw on sat. good ol ford keeping me on my toes. i was lucky enough to be able to whak the dash to get it to come back on BTW: THE DASH LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS ARE ON THE SAME CIRCUIT

 

[maximos]

Any idea what the ford part number is on the switch?

 

[desertcox05]

i got the sw from auto zone and the connector from o'reilley's sorry man i'm not near my car with the old sw and new connector. my connector was burnt too so that wlii get swapped out today

 

[desertcox05]

the switch from auto zone is sw710, the connector from o'reilly's is PT767. i don't feel the sw was bad just the connector

 

[HISSIN50]

In case it helps someone:

I recently swapped my headlight switch and connector. As far as locally available parts, I use Standard Brand when I can. I like their stuff. The parts man and I had to dig a bit as the connector listed didnt work. We found a Standard Brand S-607 seemed to work. It was listed for Ford Trucks.

 

[desertcox05]

he oreilly connector has a liftime guarantee. i was able to push out all the wires but 1 and that one got spliced. the whole job only took an hour