Ford Repair: Electrical, changing transmission fluid, ford aerostar

Question
1993 Ford Aerostar XLT Extended Window Van AWD - 4.0 L (6 cylinder)

It has 188,000 miles... put a new transmission in it at around 86,000 miles... and am a LOT better about changing transmission fluid.  Who knew?  ;?)

I've replaced recently tires, muffler, front axels, radiator, alternator.

Runs great, burns about a quart per oil change... very dependable.

Question is...

My (rear) driving lights don't seem to want to work, neither do my dash lights.  However, my headlights work, it's just the tail lights that don't, and the brake lights DO work, flashers and turn signals all around work.  Is there a cheap fix as I would like to sell this vehicle without putting a lot more $ in it.

Appreciate any help you can share with me...

I don't want to spend much, but seemed like the local Ford dealer said it was in the actual "LIGHT SWITCH" and wanted $100 for the part and $300 to put it in.  I do have a friend that is "pretty mechanical"

Please advise!

Thanks again,

Rick

Answer
Rick, the light switch is a likely cause of the problem, but I can't imagine it being so expensive to replace.  The $100 part sounds a little high, and the $300 labor sounds extremely high!
I believe you can purchase a quality headlamp switch for your vehicle from NAPA for $50-75, and install it easily in less than an hour.  You might ask your dealer again to verify the labor estimate they gave you - most dealers are still under $100/hour.  Even if they expected to have to replace the wiring connector to the switch, another hour would be sufficient!
Hope this helps...
Clay