CJ Dash Switches

[Crazy_Jeeper_7]

How do you get the actual switches out of the dash? Haven't had to replace any of the 31yr old switches til now...did the dash indicator lights a few months ago, now that it is an average of 20 degrees here in WA, I have no heater because the switch blew just before our cold snap.

Running a space heater in her now in the mornings before I go to work so I don't have to scrape both the outside and inside just to be able to get out of the driveway!

[JavaTee]

I typically use two small screwdrivers to 'work' the nut off of the switch. I don't know if that is correct, but it helped so far.

As a side note, double check the pins/blades on the back of your new switch. I ordered one several years ago, and they didn't line up.

Later, T.J.

[CrazyHorse6]

Same problem here when I replaced mine - different blade setup on the back of the switch. You've probably figured it out by now, but pull the knob, pull the chrome cover, remove the round nut, and the switch will come on out.

[CJ Chet]

There is a spring plate inside the knob that allows you to push it on but not pull off. If you stick a jewelers screwdriver in the slot ont he side, you can compress the spring which releases the knob so you can then pull it off.

[Crazy_Jeeper_7]

Thanks gents!

ok, so you guys mentioned the blades being different. I found that out once I got the switch out. If I could spin the blades on the new switch, they would line up. Is this a chronic problem with aftermarket OE switches for the CJ7? Does anyone sell the right one? I thought about just destroying the pastic clip with the female ends inside and just sliding them on where they needed to be and heat-shrink-tube them after they were on to protect them.

[HillBillE]

Thanks gents!

ok, so you guys mentioned the blades being different. .

Could be due to the fact that there were 2 different switches.

Early CJ's (76-77) have a 2 speed fan, and later ones (78-86) have a 3 speed fan.

Yours being a '78, may have a 2 speed fan from a '77, as they 'used up' parts left over from previous years alot.

[Crazy_Jeeper_7]

HillBillE,

I have the three speed fan switch and fan.... the switch I picked up is a three speed too but the blades on the back are L shaped and flipped 180 degrees from the original so they are spaced out more than my OE switch. Can the male end blades be rotated 180 degrees to line up with the female clip housing? Or, should I just take the female ends out of the OE plastic clip housing and stick them on the new switch?

[HillBillE]

HillBillE,

I have the three speed fan switch and fan.... the switch I picked up is a three speed too but the blades on the back are L shaped and flipped 180 degrees from the original so they are spaced out more than my OE switch. Can the male end blades be rotated 180 degrees to line up with the female clip housing? Or, should I just take the female ends out of the OE plastic clip housing and stick them on the new switch?

I don't know about twisting the spades, might ruin the switch, eh?

I bought mine about 5 years ago, and had no problems with the fit. (also a 3 speed-fan and wire harness from an '84CJ)

I think I would make some short jumpers, to go between the switch and plug. That way you don't have to cut/ruin anything.This is what I did for my wipers while waiting for a new switch.

Down the road you may find a NOS or used switch that fits correctly.

[misfits846]

Reeaaallly wish this thread was out couple weeks ago. My switch lights broke trying to take them out. They were rotten and just broke in half when the screwdriver got near them. I got pissed and ripped the knobs off the switches. I was going to replace them anyway. Beer didn't help too.

[HillBillE]

Reeaaallly wish this thread was out couple weeks ago. My switch lights broke trying to take them out. They were rotten and just broke in half when the screwdriver got near them. I got pissed and ripped the knobs off the switches. I was going to replace them anyway. Beer didn't help too.

They break easy (the originals) I replaced mine with those nice aluminim ones. Really like them!