No power lights etc but ignition turns over?
I've pulled the headlamp switch. The ceramic part with spring in it is well worn, with the spring torn.
OK. Lets start with this.
The spring like coil of wire in the ceramic was a type of variable resistor known as a rheostat.
We can see visible heat damage on the materials. Some thing caused too much current to flow through this part of the headlight switch.
The rheostat controls the the current to the instrument panel lamps. Turn the light switch and more or less resistance is introduced in the circuit, dimming or brightening the lamps. Depending on the year, this circuit has either a 2 or 3 amp fuse in the fusebox.
But there is a second function in this part of the switch. There is a branch that passes through from a completely different circuit, which is the dome light and any optional interior lights.
Rotating the switch knob until it clicks provides a connects the dome light to ground, turning it on. This is also fused, although at a higher amperage.
So yes, you do need to replace the switch.
You need to find a switch that has a 15 amp circuit breaker inside, not the similar looking switch with a 20 amp breaker for the headlights.
Also needs to be the correct size.
You've got enough problems and sure don't need to risk more unneccessarily.
