The Ford Barn

IndyA · 05-23-2019, 10:19 AM

Discovered when installing LED headlights that my single tail light ('29 coup) would not light. Checked the bulb filament -good; checked the bullet connection under the back Left fender- good. Took of the bail off the steering-column-end switch (on of Henry's poorest inventions!) to try to access the contacts. Could not separate ! Rewired the A about 3 years ago so that switch is almost new

Sprayed WD40 down the center and let sit over night.... No success. In desperation today took a spray can of Mass Air Flow Cleaner (closest thing I had to alcohol ) and sprayed thru the various openings and whatdaya know.... the bulb lit !!

Do you think I've damaged anything in that mysterious light switch ???

I do have an Oil Retainer Tube on the end of the steering gear ..

Thanks for your thoughts...

Jim Brierley · 05-23-2019, 12:06 PM

Probably not, the cleaner will evaporate quickly.

DHZIEMAN · 05-24-2019, 09:17 AM

Nothing hurt! A great recommendation for WD40! I use it all the time on electrical trailer hitch plugs to get good contact! Also spray it on sockets any time bulb replacements are accomplished. Good stuff!

Badpuppy · 05-24-2019, 02:10 PM

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You haven't hurt anything, but without opening the housing it's probably only temporary. I'd recommend you get the switch body apart and clean the contacts. Spring tension of the three-contact rotor may be weak also. Coat the contacts with antioxidant compound to prevent corrosion.

05-23-2019, 10:19 AM	#1
IndyA Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 61	Novel Solution for inoperative Tail Light ? Discovered when installing LED headlights that my single tail light ('29 coup) would not light. Checked the bulb filament -good; checked the bullet connection under the back Left fender- good. Took of the bail off the steering-column-end switch (on of Henry's poorest inventions!) to try to access the contacts. Could not separate ! Rewired the A about 3 years ago so that switch is almost new Sprayed WD40 down the center and let sit over night.... No success. In desperation today took a spray can of Mass Air Flow Cleaner (closest thing I had to alcohol ) and sprayed thru the various openings and whatdaya know.... the bulb lit !! Do you think I've damaged anything in that mysterious light switch ??? I do have an Oil Retainer Tube on the end of the steering gear .. Thanks for your thoughts...

05-23-2019, 12:06 PM	#2
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,085	Re: Novel Solution for inoperative Tail Light ? Probably not, the cleaner will evaporate quickly.

05-24-2019, 09:17 AM	#3
DHZIEMAN Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Sunrise Beach, Mo Posts: 439	Re: Novel Solution for inoperative Tail Light ? Nothing hurt! A great recommendation for WD40! I use it all the time on electrical trailer hitch plugs to get good contact! Also spray it on sockets any time bulb replacements are accomplished. Good stuff!

05-24-2019, 02:10 PM	#4
Badpuppy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Guthrie, OK Posts: 1,144	Re: Novel Solution for inoperative Tail Light ? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You haven't hurt anything, but without opening the housing it's probably only temporary. I'd recommend you get the switch body apart and clean the contacts. Spring tension of the three-contact rotor may be weak also. Coat the contacts with antioxidant compound to prevent corrosion.