Highbeam issue

[jkl72-40]

Hi,
When I go from low to highbeam sometimes it will work but most of the time it wont. if I work it back and forth it will come on again. how can I clean up the switch? do I need to take the steering wheel off? I am sure all other contacts are good. its no fun to drive in the dark on windy roads with deer
thanks

 

[cruiser_guy]

I'd start with some contact cleaner. You should be able to find it at Radio Shack.

 

[jimhendrixx]

Try compressed air to clear out the dust and light dirt.

you can get that at office depot or something like that.

 

[jkl72-40]

Do I need to take the wheel off? It sounds like no to start with........... just fire it down the turn signal shaft eh? I'll give it a go..

 

[weeboo]

you don't need to take the wheel off, just the upper and lower plastic casings.

 

[cruiserbrett]

on the early piggies, pre 9/'72 ish, you do need to take the wheel off. also, you will need a paper clip to remove the plastic connector shell from the wires to totally remove the switch...otherwise its trapped by the column sleeve. you will see what I mean once you try to remove it...

clean the s*** out of it with contact cleaner from an autoparts store, or radio shack. use a fine W/D sand paper or steel wool and get the oxidation off the contacts. What turned out to be more of my problem than the contacts was the cam that moves back and forth. it hung up on some crusty ass grease.

Use some white lithium grease and lube it up and install...

 

[jkl72-40]

ok....thanks bunches!!!!

 

[nat]

Good thread, I have the same problem but have not gotten around to looking into it. Now it will be easy, thanks!