Headlight Switch

This procedure covers removal and installation of the headlight switch assembly on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including dashboard trim removal and electrical connector disconnect.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headlight switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Dashboard trim clips (if damaged) × 5 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect battery negative terminal using 10mm socket and isolate cable end away from battery post.
3. Wait 10 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge.
4. Adjust steering wheel to lowest and most extended position for maximum access to lower dash area.
5. Ensure all lighting controls are in the OFF position before starting work.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower dashboard trim panel (driver side)
   Locate the lower dashboard trim panel beneath the steering column on the driver side. Using plastic trim tools, carefully release the panel starting from the bottom edge. The panel may be secured by a combination of plastic push clips and/or concealed fasteners along the perimeter; verify exact count and type against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9 before prying. Gently pull the panel away from the dashboard once all clips are released. There may be a diagnostic connector or bonnet release cable attached to the back of this panel on some configurations; verify actual attachments for the 2009 DB9 and disconnect or unhook any present before fully removing the panel. Note: The panel is secured by plastic push clips along the perimeter; confirm the exact clip count and locations against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9. Note: Check whether any connectors, cables, or the bonnet release are attached to the back of this panel for the 2009 DB9; if present, disconnect or unhook before fully removing the panel.
2. 2

   Access headlight switch mounting area
   With the lower trim removed, identify the headlight switch assembly location (verify exact location against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9, as it may be in the instrument panel cluster rather than on the steering column shroud). The switch is typically mounted in a module that also houses other lighting controls. You should see the rear of the switch assembly and its electrical connector. Use the work light to inspect the mounting method and verify the fastener type and count against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9, as the switch may be retained by screws or a snap-in module rather than a fixed 2-screw arrangement. Note: Use the work light to inspect the mounting method and verify the exact fastener type and count for the 2009 DB9 switch housing against Aston Martin service data before proceeding. Note: Use the work light to inspect the mounting method and determine whether the switch housing is secured by Torx screws or by retaining clips, per factory documentation for the 2009 DB9.
3. 3

   Disconnect headlight switch electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the rear of the headlight switch assembly. The connector will have a locking tab or sliding release mechanism. Press or slide the release tab while gently pulling the connector straight back away from the switch. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself. If access is restricted, you may need to remove the connector after partially loosening the mounting fasteners in the next step.
4. 4

   Remove headlight switch mounting fasteners
   Using the appropriate driver, remove the mounting screws securing the headlight switch assembly to the dashboard structure (verify exact fastener type and count for the 2009 DB9 in Aston Martin service data). Support the switch with one hand while removing the second fastener to prevent it from falling. If the electrical connector was not disconnected in the previous step due to access limitations, disconnect it now before fully removing the switch. Note: Using the appropriate driver, remove the mounting screws securing the headlight switch assembly to the dashboard structure; verify the exact screw count and Torx size against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9 before proceeding. Note: Using the appropriate driver, remove the mounting fasteners securing the headlight switch assembly to the dashboard structure, following the fastener type and count specified in factory documentation for the 2009 DB9.
5. 5

   Remove headlight switch assembly
   With fasteners removed and connector disconnected, carefully withdraw the headlight switch assembly from the dashboard. Note the orientation and alignment of the switch—there may be locating tabs or guides that must align during reinstallation. Inspect the mounting area for any debris or damaged clips that should be addressed before installing the new switch.
6. 6

   Install new headlight switch assembly
   Position the new headlight switch assembly in the mounting location, ensuring any locating tabs or guides are properly aligned with their corresponding slots in the dashboard structure. Verify the switch is oriented correctly and sits flush against the mounting surface before proceeding to fasten.
7. 7

   Install mounting fasteners
   Install the mounting fasteners securing the headlight switch assembly to the dashboard structure, using the exact fastener type and count verified against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9. Start both screws by hand to ensure proper thread engagement, then tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten to a snug fit—these are low-torque fasteners; do not overtighten. Verify the exact torque specification against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9 before final tightening. Do not overtighten as this can crack the switch housing or strip the mounting points. Note: Tighten to a snug fit—these are plastic-retained fasteners and do not require high torque (verify factory torque spec in Aston Martin service data; do not overtighten). Note: Tighten to a snug fit—these are low-torque fasteners; tighten to the factory-specified torque for the 2009 DB9 and do not overtighten, as this can crack the switch housing or strip the mounting points.
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Align the electrical connector with the headlight switch terminal and push firmly until you hear or feel the locking tab engage. Gently tug on the connector body (not the wires) to verify it is fully seated and locked. Ensure no wiring is pinched or routed in a way that will interfere with trim panel reinstallation.
9. 9

   Reinstall lower dashboard trim panel
   Route any cables (hood release, diagnostic connector) back through or attach to the lower dashboard trim panel as they were during removal. Align the panel with the dashboard opening and the push clip locations. Starting from one end, press firmly on each clip location until you hear or feel each clip snap into place. Verify the panel is flush and properly seated along all edges.
10. 10

    Reconnect battery and test system
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal (the battery is located in the luggage compartment on the 2009 DB9) and tighten the clamp bolt securely using a 10mm socket (verify factory torque spec in Aston Martin service data). Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine). Test all headlight switch functions: parking lights, low beams, high beams, and automatic light sensor if equipped. Verify the instrument panel indicators respond correctly to each switch position. Check that no warning lights related to the lighting system are illuminated on the dashboard. Note: Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten the clamp bolt securely using a 10mm socket; verify the exact torque specification against factory documentation for the 2009 DB9. Note: Reconnect the battery negative terminal (battery is located in the luggage compartment on the DB9) and tighten the terminal clamp to the manufacturer-specified torque using a 10mm socket.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly follows removal in reverse order.
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before reinstalling trim panels.
3. Inspect all trim clips before reassembly and replace any that are damaged to prevent rattles or loose panels.
4. Verify no wiring is pinched between trim panels and dashboard structure during final installation.

Verification

• With ignition ON, cycle through all headlight switch positions (OFF, parking lights, low beams, high beams) and verify proper function.
• Check that automatic headlight function operates correctly if vehicle is equipped (cover ambient light sensor on dash and verify lights activate).
• Verify instrument panel lighting control (if integrated with headlight switch) functions properly.
• Confirm no new warning lights are present on the instrument cluster.
• Gently pull on reinstalled trim panels to ensure all clips are properly engaged and panels are secure.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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