Standard Ignition DS-742 Headlight Dimmer Switch

Headlight Dimmer Switch for Ford and Lincoln

Standard Ignition DS-742 is a headlight dimmer switch built for vehicles that need reliable lighting and wiper control from the steering column. It uses copper alloy conductors for strong electrical flow and is 100% tested for mechanical and electrical switching performance.

Compatible With 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, 1995-1997 Lincoln Town Car, and 1995-1997 Mercury Grand Marquis applications, this DS-742 switch supports common service needs on full-size Ford platform vehicles.

Key Features

• Bolt-on attachment method
• Black plastic finish with displayed indicator markings
• Female 2-cavity connector with 18 blade terminals
• 12-volt electrical design
• Latching high beam operator and momentary high beam flasher included
• Turn signal control included
• Windshield washer spray, windshield wiper delay, and windshield wiper speed functions included
• 7 windshield wiper delay settings and 3 windshield wiper speed settings
• New replacement part from Standard Ignition

Detailed Description

The Standard Ignition DS-742 headlight dimmer switch is engineered for steering-column control of exterior lighting and selected wiper functions. Its robust construction and copper alloy conductors help maintain consistent switching performance and low resistive loss, while the tested design supports dependable operation in daily service. This part cross-references Standard Motor Products SW1168 for the same application.

Use DS-742 when servicing a Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car, or Mercury Grand Marquis with worn or inconsistent dimmer, turn signal, or wiper controls. The part number DS-742 is commonly searched for OE-style replacement needs on these vehicles, including 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria and 1995-1997 Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis applications.

Common Problems This Part Can Address

• Headlights that do not switch cleanly between low and high beam
• Intermittent or failed momentary high-beam flash function
• Turn signal control issues at the steering column
• Inconsistent windshield wiper delay or speed selection
• Washer spray control problems from a worn switch assembly

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify connector style, terminal count, and vehicle application before installation. This switch uses a bolt-on attachment method and a rectangular female connector, so matching the original column switch layout is important. Confirm the vehicle’s existing lighting and wiper control configuration, especially on 1995-1997 Lincoln Town Car models noted as combo switch applications.

Quality Assurance

Standard Ignition builds this switch with service-grade materials and tests each unit for mechanical and electrical switching performance. The DS-742 is a new replacement part intended for direct service use on confirmed Ford Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car, and Mercury Grand Marquis applications.