arrgh! the GF's headlight switch went out in her 96 Protege a while back. I added a relay to run power to the headlight/taillight circuit while the key was on to get her by. Freaking switch is gonna be around the $250 to $300 range...and i think I'll have to pull the steering wheel to change it.....grrrrr.
anyone able to post a link to the 96 protege service manual by chance so i can see what's gonna be involved before i start?

 

You have to check some old one, its cost is almost 80$ to 100$.
And work always better like the new one.

 

if the car is near its end of life, just add a manual light on/off switch on the dash... similar to what you did before, but a bit more functional.
if you'll keep / resell the car then replace the switch assembly. it should only take a few hours: pull the steering column apart, the 'control stick' should be screwed on, unplug connectors, and replace with new/junkyard parts.
The junkyard is a good place to pyll things apart, or just find a car that's already apart so you can see where snaps / screws / etc... are located.