Buy Ford Mustang Headlight Switch Knobs

A Ford Mustang headlight switch knob (also called a headlamp knob, light switch knob, headlight dial, or rotary light control) is the small control on the dash you turn or pull to run the exterior lights and dim the dash lights. On older Mustangs it's usually a pull-knob; on newer cars it's a rotary dial. The knob works with the light switch to control parking lights, low beams, high beams, and in many years it also ties into the fog-light button and the instrument-panel dimmer. See the lighting chapters in the 2004 Mustang Owner's Guide and the 2016 Mustang Owner's Manual for examples.

You'll find the headlamp control to the left of the steering wheel. On 1994-2004 cars, the control area includes the pull knob and nearby fog-lamp button (if equipped). On 2015+ cars, the lighting control is a rotary dial with "AUTO," plus nearby dimmer buttons for the cluster. Ford shows these layouts in its owner manuals. 2004 manual | 2016 manual.

On 2004 Mustangs: first click = parking lamps; outer position = headlamps. Press the fog-lamp button to toggle fogs (they won't operate with high beams on). See the 2004 "Lights" pages.
On 2015+ Mustangs: the "AUTOLAMPS" setting can turn headlights on in low light and when wipers run; there's also a headlamp "exit delay" that keeps lights on briefly after you shut off the car. 2016 manual, Lighting.
The dimmer/"panel" light control lets you brighten or dim the cluster; on some years, rolling the dimmer all the way up turns on the interior lamps (handy for loading, but easy to bump). 2005 Quick Reference.

• Classic and 1994-2004: pull-type headlight knob with nearby fog-lamp button on many trims. 2004 guide.
• 2005-2014 (S197): rotary headlight dial; fogs often pulled on at the dial or via nearby button; dimmer wheel can switch on interior lamps when rolled to the top. 2005 quick reference.
• 2015-2023 (S550) and 2024+ (S650): rotary dial with AUTO; systems can include wiper-activated lamps, automatic high beams, and exit-delay lighting. 2016 manual | 2025 manual. (Ford Service Content)

Headlights aren't just for seeing; they make you visible. About half of traffic deaths happen in the dark or at dawn/dusk; better lighting helps reduce night crashes. Read more at the IIHS headlight overview.
Modern lighting also follows federal rules (FMVSS 108). The U.S. now allows Adaptive Driving Beam systems that shape light to cut glare for others while keeping the road bright for you. See NHTSA's update on ADB and FMVSS 108 interpretations. Press release | FMVSS 108 interpretation. (NHTSA)

Swap the knob (or the full switch) if you notice: cracks, the knob spins or pulls off, the dash lights flicker when you touch the dimmer, fogs won't toggle as they should, or the headlamps won't come on/off as expected (after you rule out AUTO mode, wiper-activated lights, or exit-delay). Ford documents AUTO/wiper-activated and exit-delay behavior in the 2016 manual.

• Work with the car off; protect trim with plastic tools.
• Pull-knob style (many older Fords): many designs release via a small button on the switch body; press and pull the knob/shaft out, then service the switch/knob as directed in your manual. Here's an example of Ford's release-button style shown on a classic Ford dash control: Removing dash switches (CTCI).
• Rotary-dial style (2005+): the knob/dial sits in a trim panel-gently pop the panel, unplug the connector, and swap the part following your model-year manual. Ford Owner Manuals sitemap.

If you've changed lamps or front-end parts, aim the headlights so you can see the road without blinding others. Ford describes the 25-foot wall method in the 2004 guide (works as a basic reference for many vehicles). Aiming steps.

Keep the knob and surrounding trim clean with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh cleaners that can fade icons. If the dimmer turns on the dome light when rolled to the top (some years), set it one click down to prevent battery drain. 2005 quick reference.

• Match style: pull-knob (older) vs rotary dial (newer). 2004 vs 2016 examples.
• Match features: fog-lamp function, AUTO position, dimmer behavior. 2004 | 2016.
• Verify by year/trim using Ford's online manuals for your exact VIN. Owner Manuals sitemap.

Before you install anything, check for open recalls that could affect lighting or controls. Use NHTSA's free tools to look up your Mustang by VIN or make/model. NHTSA Recalls and VIN lookup. (NHTSA, VIN Recalls)

• 2004 Mustang Owner's Guide - Lights (headlamp & fog-lamp operation).
• 2005 Mustang Quick Reference (dimmer & interior lamp tip).
• 2016 Mustang Owner's Manual - Lighting (AUTO, wiper-activated, exit delay).
• Owner Manuals sitemap (all years).
• IIHS Headlight research.
• NHTSA ADB rule and FMVSS 108 interpretation. (NHTSA)
• CTCI: example release-button style (older Fords).

Q: What does the headlight switch knob do on a Mustang?
A: It turns parking lights and headlights on/off, runs high beams, and works with the dash-light dimmer. Some years also tie in fog lights and AUTO mode. 2004 manual | 2016 manual.

Q: Is the Mustang control a pull knob or a dial?
A: Many older models use a pull knob; 2005+ cars use a rotary dial. 2004 vs 2016 examples. 2016 manual.

Q: How do I turn on fog lights?
A: It varies by year. On 2004, press the fog-lamp switch; they won't work with high beams on. Later cars may let you pull the dial or use a nearby button. Check your year's manual. 2004 guide | 2005 quick reference.

Q: Why do my lights come on when I use the wipers?
A: On many 2015+ Mustangs with AUTO selected, the system turns headlights on with wiper use. 2016 manual, Autolamps.

Q: Why do my lights stay on after I park?
A: That's headlamp "exit delay." It can be adjusted or canceled (pull the turn-signal lever again).

Q: My dome light won't turn off. What should I check?
A: Make sure the dimmer isn't rolled to the top detent-on some years that turns the interior lamps on. 2005 quick reference.

Q: Can a worn knob cause flickering dash lights?
A: It can if the dimmer part is failing or the knob no longer engages properly. If flicker persists, inspect the switch and dimmer per your manual. Owner Manuals sitemap.

Q: Do fogs work with high beams?
A: Many models turn fogs off when high beams are on. That's expected behavior in the 2004 guide. 2004 "Lights."

Q: Is AUTO different from DRL?
A: Yes. AUTO decides when to turn lamps on; DRL is a lower-output headlamp setting on some vehicles. See the DRL note in the 2004 guide and the AUTO section in 2016. | 2016.

Q: If I replace the knob, do I need to re-aim headlights?
A: Not for the knob alone. But after any front-end work or headlamp change, aim the lights. Ford shows a simple method in the 2004 guide. Aiming steps.

Q: What's the best way to check for lighting recalls?
A: Use NHTSA's free recall tools. NHTSA Recalls or the VIN lookup. (NHTSA, VIN Recalls)

Q: Are brighter lights always better at night?
A: Brighter isn't always better if they create glare. IIHS explains how good headlight design (aim, pattern, and cutoff) improves safety. IIHS headlights.

Q: Can the knob also control the dash lights?
A: Yes-Mustangs include a dash-light dimmer. Some years use a wheel or buttons next to the headlamp control. 2004 | 2016.

Q: My 2015+ car switches to high beams by itself-normal?
A: If equipped, "automatic high beam" can do that when conditions allow. It's part of the lighting system controlled through the info display.

Q: Does the headlamp control change with newer tech?
A: Yes. U.S. regulators now allow Adaptive Driving Beams that shape light to help you see without blinding others. NHTSA ADB update.

Q: Where can I find the exact instructions for my year?
A: Ford posts manuals and quick guides by year/model here: Owner Manuals sitemap.

Q: What's a good night-driving habit after replacing the knob?
A: Re-check headlight aim and keep the lens clean. Good lighting reduces night-crash risk. IIHS overview.

Q: My lights are on but dash is dark-knob issue?
A: Try the dimmer first. If the cluster is still dark, check fuses and the switch per your owner's manual. Manuals sitemap.

Q: Do rear fog lights use the same control?
A: Markets with rear fogs (certain regions/years) use an extra switch near the main light dial, and they only work with low beams or front fogs on. 2016 manual, rear fogs.

Q: Why won't my fog lights turn on in AUTO during the day?
A: Many cars only allow fogs when the low beams are on; in bright conditions AUTO may keep low beams off.

Q: Is there a simple check after installing a new knob or dial?
A: Cycle through: parking → low → high → fogs (if equipped) → dimmer up/down. Confirm the cluster icons respond and the exterior lights behave as the manual shows. 2004 | 2016.

Q: Can I remove a pull-style knob without taking the whole dash apart?
A: Many older Ford pull-knob switches release by a small button on the switch body; press the button and pull the knob/shaft. Confirm your model's method in the manual; here's a visual example of the release-button style on classic Ford controls: CTCI guide.

Q: Where do I learn more about headlight rules?
A: NHTSA publishes FMVSS 108 guidelines and updates (like ADB). Start here: FMVSS 108 interpretation and ADB rule news. (NHTSA)

Q: How do I find the manual for my exact Mustang year?
A: Use Ford's Owner Manuals sitemap to select your year and download the manual or quick-reference guide.