Headlight lever sticking?

[shortyt]

Guys I'm not sure if its due to the cold weather we have been having (low teens high in thirtys) or not but my headlight lever wants to turn with the steering wheel. It will stay put if I hold it in place. I'm pretty sure it did not do it in warmer temps, because lights stayed on during night drives. Maybe a lube problem? I'm in Texas so it will get warmer but I was just curious if its something the colder weather guys experience.

[glenn in camino]

You might have a bent horn rod. If so take it out and use your knee to straighten it out.

[RandyinUtah]

I don't think it has to do with the cold temp. I drove My sedan today with the temp around 25 degrees and had no problem with the horn rod. I would look at other area of friction like bent horn rod or switch rubbing on steering wheel.

[GRutter]

Do the detents when you turn the light switch still feel as strong as they previously did? Check the light switch body and bail and make sure all is tight. See if it's oily in the light switch.
Has your steering box been modified with the tube-style end plate to prevent lube from getting into the light switch?
The only real area where the light switch can bind within the steering assy and cause it to turn (unless bent) is at the top where there should be a small brass bushing between the column and the light rod.
Assuming nothing has changed, start at the light switch. You'll likely find your problem there.

[midgetracer]

Do you have the thin copper sleeve that fits on the horn rod and sits in the tube that the light switch rod goes into and acts as a bushing and spaces the rod away from the steering wheel? It is supposed to stop this problem. A3529 in Snyders catalog.

[shortyt]

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Thanks for the replys everyone. I will check all of these today and get back.

[shortyt]

Actually the indents do not feel that strong.

[JDupuis]

Check the "c" clip it might not be seated fully. It's the clip that holds the light switch/rod in the steering column. Jeff

[Tacoma Bob]

MMMM just went through this 2 months ago addressing another issue. BUT! while everything was out of the car I restored the steering wheel. I was very careful when sanding the hollow area where the headlight lever sits. There is not a lot of space and I was sure glad I took the time to sand. I was thinking I may have to put a dab of Vaseline around the circumference but so far so good.

[shortyt]

Jeff that's the clip at the bottom in engine compartment? It looks like its crooked. I'm assuming if I pull the clip I can pull out the horn rod? My plan is to pull everything out and check.

[shortyt]

Well never mind looks like my wife bought me a nice gift! The model A mechanics handbook just arrived!

[JDupuis]

Congrats on the new book! Yes that is the clip. It should be flush inside a small recess, and the spring tension will hold it in place. If it is crooked, this might be the culprit. I've had this same concern in the past.
And yes, by removing this clip, you can remove the horn/light rod. Keep a yard stick handy,
You'll need it. Thread the yard stick under the outside rim over the horn botton to the other underside of the steering wheel rim. Good luck. Jeff

[Bruce of MN]

"yes, by removing this clip, you can remove the horn/light rod"

Ok for open cars, but more work in closed cars.

[shortyt]

Well guys I pulled everything out and the horn rod itself was very sticky. Maybe previous owner put some type of grease that overtime went bad? I cleaned her up with scotch bright and squirted some liquid type lube and she works great now. No more binding. Thanks again for everyones help! For the guys that don't have the Mechanics book I suggest you get it!

[JDupuis]

Thanks for the update!