This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the headlight switch assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including dashboard trim removal and electrical connector disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headlight switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford part or verify connector compatibility

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical short circuits
4. Allow at least 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge before working near steering column
5. Ensure steering wheel is in straight-ahead position

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column cover
   Locate the lower steering column cover beneath the steering wheel. Remove the two Phillips screws at the bottom of the cover. Gently pull the lower cover away from the column, releasing any retention clips. Set aside the lower cover.
2. 2

   Remove upper steering column cover
   With the lower cover removed, access the upper steering column cover. Remove the screws securing the upper cover (typically two screws). Carefully separate the upper cover from the column, being mindful of any wiring for cruise control switches if equipped. Set aside the upper cover.
3. 3

   Remove left-side dash trim panel
   Locate the left-side dash trim panel that surrounds the headlight switch and instrument cluster. Using a panel trim removal tool, carefully pry at the edges of the panel starting from the bottom. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing all retention clips. There are approximately 8-10 clips holding this panel. Pull the panel straight back once all clips are released.
   ⚠Apply even pressure when releasing clips to avoid breaking the trim panel tabs
4. 4

   Disconnect instrument cluster connector (if necessary)
   Depending on trim panel removal clearance, you may need to partially disconnect the instrument cluster. If the trim panel cannot be fully removed with cluster in place, press the release tab on the main instrument cluster connector and carefully pull the connector straight back. Note the connector orientation for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove headlight switch mounting screws
   With the trim panel removed, locate the two mounting screws securing the headlight switch assembly to the dash structure. These are typically 10mm or Phillips head screws. Remove both screws completely and retain for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Pull headlight switch from dash
   Carefully pull the headlight switch assembly straight back from the dash opening. You will need approximately 3-4 inches of clearance to access the electrical connector on the rear of the switch. Use a flashlight to illuminate the connector area.
7. 7

   Disconnect headlight switch electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector on the back of the headlight switch assembly. Press down on the connector locking tab while simultaneously pulling the connector straight away from the switch. The connector is a single large multi-pin connector. Once disconnected, remove the old headlight switch completely from the vehicle.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires; pull only on the connector body to avoid damaging terminals
8. 8

   Install new headlight switch
   Connect the electrical connector to the new headlight switch assembly, ensuring it clicks firmly into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Position the new switch into the dash opening and align the mounting screw holes.
9. 9

   Secure headlight switch mounting screws
   Install the two mounting screws that secure the headlight switch to the dash structure. Tighten screws evenly to secure the switch without over-tightening. If screws are module mounting type, torque to specification. Verify switch is flush and properly seated in the dash opening.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect instrument cluster (if disconnected)
    If the instrument cluster connector was removed in step 4, reconnect it now by aligning the connector and pressing firmly until it clicks into place. Ensure the locking tab engages properly.
11. 11

    Reinstall left-side dash trim panel
    Position the left-side dash trim panel back into place, aligning all mounting points and clips. Starting from one side, press firmly around the perimeter of the panel to engage all retention clips. You should hear or feel each clip snap into place. Verify the panel is flush and properly seated all around.
12. 12

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Reinstall the upper steering column cover, ensuring any cruise control wiring is properly routed. Install and tighten the retaining screws. Install the lower steering column cover, aligning the tabs and clips, then install and tighten the Phillips screws at the bottom.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off) and test all headlight switch functions: headlights, parking lights, instrument dimmer, and fog lights if equipped. Cycle through all positions multiple times to verify proper operation.
    ⚠Do not exceed specified torque on battery terminal to avoid damaging terminal or cable
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all dashboard trim panels are fully seated and all clips are engaged before considering the job complete
2. Verify no gaps exist between trim panels and dashboard structure
3. Reset clock and radio presets as needed after battery reconnection

Verification

• Test headlight switch in all positions: OFF, parking lights, and headlights
• Verify instrument panel dimmer function works smoothly through full range
• Test automatic headlight function if equipped (AUTO position)
• Confirm fog lights operate if vehicle is equipped
• Check that all dashboard trim panels are secure with no rattles or loose clips
• Verify no warning lights appear on instrument cluster related to lighting system

More procedures for this vehicle