How-To: Replace the Headlight Switch on a '84 Riviera
 

Howdy Riviera guys!

A customer brought in their '84 Riviera to have the headlight switch replaced so I figured that someone on this board would benefit from having the procedure documented for them :cool: The headlight switch on the 1984 Buick Riviera is behind the left control panel at the position of the headlight control knob. Before you replace the switch, you should check that the headlight fuse, which is on the left side and under the instrument panel, has not blown. If the parking lights work but the headlights do not, the problem might be a burned-out headlight fusible link.

--Required Tools--
Pliers
Phillips screwdriver
Headlight switch


1) Open the hood and remove the battery cable from the negative terminal using pliers. Turn the ignition to the "Lock" position to disarm the airbag, if your vehicle has one.

2) Remove the headlight switch control knob. Remove the left control panel bezel and the instrument panel bezel with a Phillips screwdriver to take out the retaining screws. Once the screws have been removed, lower the steering column to its lowest position. Pull on the bottom of the instrument panel bezel to release it from the clips at the top. Remove the two screws that hold the airbag electrical connector to the control panel, if your vehicle has an airbag.

3) Remove the screws holding the headlight switch using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull out the switch and disconnect the headlight switch electrical connector.

4) Connect the electrical connector to the new headlight switch. Reinstall the headlight switch. Reinstall the instrument panel bezel, the left control panel bezel and the headlight switch control knob. Move the steering column to its previous position.

5) Reattach the battery cable to the negative terminal and close the hood. Turn the ignition switch to the "Off" position, if it was in the "Lock" position. Turn the headlights on and check that they both operate.

6) You're finished! :)