The Ford Barn

[email protected] · 10-02-2023, 08:16 PM

When I'm driving with the light switch selector 1 click over (low beams) it keeps moving and shutting the lights off. When I move it to the 2nd click over (high beams) it will stay in position. It is very annoying having to hold the switch selector when driving to avoid blinding other drivers. Plus I just like things to work correctly! Suggestions on how to fix this? I know that horn rods and switches can be cantankerous. I want to find out suggestions on WHAT TO DO and WHAT NOT TO DO! Any help is appreciated.

Richard Knight · 10-02-2023, 11:37 PM

Kevin you might be able remove the bail and drop the switch down, undue the clip then pull the switch and horn rod up some and lubricate the bushing.that sits in the end of the tube. That might free it up.

Y-Blockhead · 10-03-2023, 12:07 AM

Often times when there is a problem as you describe, the light switch rod bushing at the top of the steering column may be missing or worn/damaged. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7840&cat=41749

[email protected] · 10-03-2023, 10:54 AM

What is preferred for lube--grease? light oil? heavier oil?

JayJay · 10-03-2023, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Often times when there is a problem as you describe, the light switch rod bushing at the top of the steering column may be missing or worn/damaged. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7840&cat=41749

Or the light switch rod may be bent. The light switch rod goes down the middle of the steering column, and it doesn't take much to have it scrape along the walls and catch.

Phil Brown · 10-03-2023, 11:38 AM

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Sometimes the switch rubs on the steering wheel where it is recessed into the wheel. You can check it for clearance with a small piece of paper inserted between the switch and wheel to see if it gets tight. If it does slide the switch up a few inches and a little hand work with some sandpaper on the wheel recess should give you a bit of clearance

Bruce of MN · 10-04-2023, 04:50 AM

My horn rod had a squared off section just under the top that rubbed. My friend turned it down and I filed it round some more. That and a new bushing made my switch stay in place while turning the wheel. Of course, with my Coupe, it meant having to take the pitman arm off and unbolt the steering box.

tucan31 · 10-24-2023, 03:02 PM

I had a similar issue, the small copper light switch rod bushing on the horn rod was missing

MilwaukeeMike · 10-25-2023, 12:42 AM

I had this problem during a rebuild that had a thread repair that altered clearance. I got two thin mylar washers with a drop if turbine oil between them. No more problem.

10-02-2023, 08:16 PM	#1
[email protected] Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Essex, CT Posts: 39	Low Beam Light Switch won't stay in position When I'm driving with the light switch selector 1 click over (low beams) it keeps moving and shutting the lights off. When I move it to the 2nd click over (high beams) it will stay in position. It is very annoying having to hold the switch selector when driving to avoid blinding other drivers. Plus I just like things to work correctly! Suggestions on how to fix this? I know that horn rods and switches can be cantankerous. I want to find out suggestions on WHAT TO DO and WHAT NOT TO DO! Any help is appreciated. __________________ Kevin Essex, CT

10-02-2023, 11:37 PM	#2
Richard Knight Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 130	Re: Low Beam Light Switch won't stay in position Kevin you might be able remove the bail and drop the switch down, undue the clip then pull the switch and horn rod up some and lubricate the bushing.that sits in the end of the tube. That might free it up.

10-03-2023, 12:07 AM	#3
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,856	Re: Low Beam Light Switch won't stay in position Often times when there is a problem as you describe, the light switch rod bushing at the top of the steering column may be missing or worn/damaged. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7840&cat=41749

10-03-2023, 10:54 AM	#4
[email protected] Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Essex, CT Posts: 39	Re: Low Beam Light Switch won't stay in position What is preferred for lube--grease? light oil? heavier oil? __________________ Kevin Essex, CT

10-03-2023, 11:38 AM	#6
Phil Brown Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee Calif. Posts: 513	Re: Low Beam Light Switch won't stay in position Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Sometimes the switch rubs on the steering wheel where it is recessed into the wheel. You can check it for clearance with a small piece of paper inserted between the switch and wheel to see if it gets tight. If it does slide the switch up a few inches and a little hand work with some sandpaper on the wheel recess should give you a bit of clearance

10-04-2023, 04:50 AM	#7
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,421	Re: Low Beam Light Switch won't stay in position My horn rod had a squared off section just under the top that rubbed. My friend turned it down and I filed it round some more. That and a new bushing made my switch stay in place while turning the wheel. Of course, with my Coupe, it meant having to take the pitman arm off and unbolt the steering box.

10-24-2023, 03:02 PM	#8
tucan31 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Toronto, On, Canada Posts: 9	Re: Low Beam Light Switch won't stay in position I had a similar issue, the small copper light switch rod bushing on the horn rod was missing

10-25-2023, 12:42 AM	#9
MilwaukeeMike Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Posts: 31	Re: Low Beam Light Switch won't stay in position I had this problem during a rebuild that had a thread repair that altered clearance. I got two thin mylar washers with a drop if turbine oil between them. No more problem.