Headlight switch issue (Testarossa) | FerrariChat
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Headlight switch issue (Testarossa)

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Threeofnine, Jul 26, 2025 at 6:06 PM.

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  1. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    406
    Birmingham, AL USA
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    Jarrod Heath
    #1 Threeofnine, Jul 26, 2025 at 6:06 PM
    in a previous thread posted yesterday I was installing LED lights in my 88 US spec Testarossa. I seem to have now run into another issue. This is something that has been going on for a while but today I find myself unable to get the headlights down and off.

    My headlight switch stalk has always been removable from the unit. I’m not sure if it’s supposed to easily come out or not. It has always worked although a few times it took a few rotations to get the headlights up down. However, today I am finding it near impossible to get the headlights down. The stalk just rotates and rotates. I’m sure my switch will need some work, but in the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions on how I can quickly get the headlights down and off? Perhaps wrapping tape around the stalk to increase its diameter so it grabs?


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  2. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

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    #2 turbo-joe, Jul 26, 2025 at 10:45 PM
    deform the shaft a little and put it in again with superglue
     
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  3. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
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    Jarrod Heath
    #3 Threeofnine, Jul 26, 2025 at 10:55 PM
    I was actually wondering if that would work. Thank you! When you say deform do you mean slightly rough the finish, with sandpaper perhaps?
     
  4. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

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    #4 turbo-joe, Jul 27, 2025 at 3:50 AM
    no, give it an other shape, only an other finish will not work long time
     
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  5. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    406
    Birmingham, AL USA
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    Jarrod Heath
    #5 Threeofnine, Jul 27, 2025 at 10:13 AM
    Thank you very much, I’ll do this later today. Much appreciated!
     
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  6. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    406
    Birmingham, AL USA
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    Jarrod Heath
    #6 Threeofnine, Jul 27, 2025 at 12:28 PM
    Hi Joe,

    sorry to bother you again, one more quick question. I shined a light in the hole where the stalk goes and I see there is a white plastic piece and behind it there looks to be a socket that the end of the stalk extends into. Which part is the rotation mechanism that controls the lights? I just want to make sure I glue the right part as I imagine gluing the wrong part would be a serious issue.

    once again, I really really appreciate your help.
     
  7. lagunacc

    lagunacc F1 Rookie
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    Aug 24, 2013
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    #7 lagunacc, Jul 27, 2025 at 12:43 PM
    White part is likely broken - common issue.

    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/broken-light-switch-and-a-frozen-hub-85-testarossa.585750/
     
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  8. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

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    #8 turbo-joe, Jul 27, 2025 at 1:15 PM
    hi jarrod
    sorry, I not know because never had this problem.
    try to see if this white plastic piece will move/rotate?
    you may measure how deep the lever will go inside
    but best would be to take the complete switch out after removing the steering wheel and look how it exactly is working. then you see how you can fix it
     
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  9. Threeofnine

    Threeofnine Formula Junior

    Dec 11, 2020
    406
    Birmingham, AL USA
    Full Name:
    Jarrod Heath
    #9 Threeofnine, Jul 27, 2025 at 7:56 PM
    thank you

    I probably will pull it off before trying to glue anything just to be on the safe side. @lagunacc thank you for that link. That is a great resource, it’s also great to know that the switch cross-references with a Lancia part (with minor modification) as a replacement F part is over $3k… I will probably go ahead and buy one and just change the entire switch out. The post states I’ll need a 28mm ring nut tool. I assume this is the tool I’ll need? https://www.ferraripartsexchange.com/products/ring-nut-tool-28mm-rnt-28?gQT=1
     

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