how do you remove and replace the headlight switch? i have reason to believe mine is bad (doesnt turn headlights on OR pop them up) and i have no clue where to even begin removing the multi-switch...

 

You start by removing the steering wheel......................

The combination switch includes the lights, clock spring (horn, airbag wires) & wiper controls. I would buy a used combination switch & see if it works any better.

I guess you could cannibalize another combination switch to remove the headlight switch, but why bother?

Mazda only sells it as a complete unit for $250-$300

 

yeah i'd like to just replace the combo switch... i REALLY dont want to remove the steering wheel

 

Mine is broken as well, and I can't afford a new switch right now. I had determined the headlight switch is a switched ground. So I ran a wire from the headlight relay, through the gromet under the driver's fender, to a toggle switch and grounded it to a bolt on the seat rail. Now i can flip the toggle, groung the relay, and my headlights flip up and come on.
It atleast lets me drive a night...

 

Have you tried the headlight button on the left of the gauges to see if the motors operate? Check the fuse and test your headlight relay.

 

yes. the motors operate. the relay also operates. the problem is the switch.