Headlight switch stuck and can't remove

[John A]

Bonjour
I've searched and have a found a thread that @Pewt contributed to, which did involve sacrificing the trim ring around the headlight switch, but I don't really want to go down that road.

Those who have removed a headlight switch on a T6 know that you switch the lights off, push the switch in and then turn clock wise to Auto position. The switch should lock in place, having retracted the retaining clips and it should pull forwards and out.

When I push mine in, I think one or both of the clips are stuck and not retracting, so I can't remove the switch.
Is there a way of getting it out? Access is blocked from the end dash panel, but I have removed the lower dash panel which gives some access.
I don't mind if the switch is broken in the process as the bezel already has a crack and I have a new one ready to go.

KR

 

[Linoleum Bonypart]

I’ve just changed my switch to an auto and taking the unit out didn’t involve any clips

 

[Pewt]

For the sake of £20 (i think i paid from a breaker) just get the Dremel on the ring. Personally i could not see another way.

 

[aferris2]

If its the same as a T5.1 then, yes you can. You need to push the stuck catch in using a pick or screwdriver at the same time as the push and turn. Access is through the small panel to the side of the dash.

 

[John A]

I’ve just changed my switch to an auto and taking the unit out didn’t involve any clips

There are two tabs that you retract by pushing the switch in and turning it clockwise to 12 o'clock

If its the same as a T5.1 then, yes you can. You need to push the stuck catch in using a pick or screwdriver at the same time as the push and turn. Access is through the small panel to the side of the dash.

It's not exactly the same. The shape of the dash end panel means that you can't get anything in behind it to push the catch in.

 

[John A]

For the sake of £20 (i think i paid from a breaker) just get the Dremel on the ring. Personally i could not see another way.

I decided to destroy the switch in the end - I already had a replacement from eBay that cost £12 delivered and the old one had a crack in the bezel.
The top catch was free, but the bottom left was stuck however, once I'd pulled the switch apart, I could release the clip. The guide in the retaining ring had been bent out of shape, so I've pushed it straight again, but I think (given that I've also marked the edges of the ring trying to get a screwdriver in), that I will replace it if I can find one.

 

[dubber36]

Can the new switch be removed like it should?

 

[John A]

Can the new switch be removed like it should?

Yes - the first thing I tested