How to Connect Headlights to a Toggle Switch (6 Steps)
This tutorial will show you how to connect headlights to a toggle switch. This is a great way to keep your headlights on when you need them and turn them off when you don't.
Your car's headlight switch can wear out and fail over time.
The headlight switch may be easily available, but is unlikely to be cheap. An alternative is to use a standard toggle switch instead, which is used to control other high beam headlights.
You can easily connect the headlight to the toggle switch.
You must choose a suitable mounting location, unplug old wiring, and make sure you know how the wires will attach to the toggle switch. When you're ready, secure them in place, attach the wires to the toggle switch, and then mount the switch to the dash.
I'll go into more detail below.
Connecting the headlight to the toggle switch
The method of connecting the headlight to the toggle switch includes six steps, namely:
- Choose a suitable mounting location.
- Disconnect the old wiring.
- Check switch contacts.
- Prepare and secure wiring in place.
- Connect the wires to the switch.
- Install the switch on the dashboard.
Once you've bought your new toggle switch, you're ready to get to work. You'll need a few more things: a wire stripper, pliers, and electrical tape.
Also, don't forget to disconnect the battery while you work on the wiring.
Step 1: Choose a suitable installation location
Choose a suitable location for installing the toggle switch on the dashboard.
The ideal location would be close to the original location because then you can keep the rest of the headlight wiring in place. You can also drill a hole for the toggle switch if it suits you.
Step 2: Disconnect old wiring
The second step is to find and disconnect the end piece of the existing wiring from the old headlight switch we are replacing.
Step 3. Check the contacts of the toggle switch
Now check the back of the toggle switch that will replace the old headlight switch.
You will see several contacts for attaching wires. Usually they are screw or blade. This will depend on the type of toggle switches you have purchased. You should see the following pins: one for "power", one for "ground" and "accessory". The minus will be grounded.
In particular, make sure you know which wires are used to supply power to the headlights when they are on. If in any doubt, check your vehicle's owner's manual for the headlight switch wiring diagram.
You can also find this out by connecting each wire in turn to each pin (with the switch in the on position) until the headlights turn on.
Step 4: Prepare and Secure Wiring in Place
Once you're sure which wire goes where, secure the wiring so it can easily reach the new switch and pin positions.
You may also need to prepare the ends of the wires by cutting them so that the blade connectors can be used. In this case, use a wire stripper to remove approximately ¼-½ inch of the wire insulation before attaching the connectors.
Step 5: Connect the Wires to the Toggle Switch
After securing the wiring, attach the wires to the toggle switch.
Once each wire is attached to the right pin, secure the connectors with pliers. Pinch the ends together to make sure they are secure and won't come loose. It would be better if you also wrapped the wires and the end of the connector with electrical tape.
Step 6: Mount the Switch to the Dashboard
Once the wires are attached and securely connected to the new toggle switch, the final step is to install the switch on the dashboard in the location of your choice.
You can mount the tumbler in various ways. You may be able to screw it into place, or insert it into the hole and screw on the nut on the back of the switch.
Before finally putting the new toggle switch in place, make sure that no metal parts come into contact with it. If one is too close, you can use duct tape to make sure it doesn't touch. This is important as otherwise it could lead to a short circuit or other electrical problems.
Final testing
You must verify that the wiring is routed correctly before securing the wiring and locking the toggle switch in position.
But you must also repeat this test at the end before considering the project complete. Go ahead and flip the toggle switch to see if the headlight turns on or off in the off position. The three position toggle switch will have a different position for the high beam headlights.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to connect a winch with a toggle switch
- How to connect a fuel pump to a toggle switch
- How to connect power windows to a toggle switch
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