my high beems dont go on when i push the switch forward, but they do go on when i pull it back. and tonight the regular head lights just stopped working, so i had to hold the damn switch back the whole ride home. any ideas on the problem, or do i just need a new switch, and how much do you think it would be, and how hard is it to install?



thanks,
kyle

 

first try spraying electrical contact cleaner in the switch. Failing that, disassemble it and make sure the contacts aren't worn or bent from use.

 

how hard is it to take off? from what i have looked at it doesnt seem like its just bolted on

 

you won't need to remove it to spray cleaner in it, which is what makes that the easiest and cheapest attempted fix.

If you do have to take it off you'll have to remove the steering wheel (don't let the power bar hit you in the chin when the spring releases!) and undo a lateral tension screwat the base of the switch

 

You want to use dielectric grease on it, not WD40 or anything like that. I strongly recommend against disassembling the unit; you will get in way over your head and there are all kinds of springs and bearings to loose. It took me two units (theyre called multiswitches) to make one that actually worked.

 

To grease it you have to disassemble it. To use contact cleaner you just point and spray.

Contact cleaner cleans electrics.

WD40 is a wet lubricant.

The only thing they have in common is they both are dispensed in spraycans. Then again, so is spray paint.

 

by disassemble I mean actually removing the screws in the unit and taking it apart. Not just pulling it off the steering column
I mentioned the WD40 because someone recommended that to me, and it started to smolder when I turned the ignition on. not good

 

yup, spraying flammable liquids onto hot electrics is usually an unhappy result waiting to happen.

I meant take apart the unit too, not somply slipping it off the steering column. How else would you apply dielectric grease, or clean contacts with an emery board?

 

yep yep. maybe he didn't know that, though

 

I have rebuilt multiswitches several times. It is not hard. Just lay out the switch on a big piece of newspaper and get some rubbing alcohol and q tips. Just go slowly, cleaning all the contacts and watch where everything fits. Then use the dielectric paste to lube stuff up. Takes about an hour. The biggest danger is replacing the steering wheel. LOOK BEHIND THE WHEEL HUB AND MAKE SURE THE TWO PINS ON THE SWITCH LINE UP WITH THE HUB, OR YOU WILL BREAK OFF THE PINS. Then you are screwed. So go slowly.