high beam switch

[fogcity]

When I signal, or even hit a small bump, at night my high beams go on. It takes the SLIGHTEST pull on the handle to make them return to normal, however now I have to drive while slightly pulling back on that handle so it won't flash the guy ahead of me. Has anyone had this problem? What'd you do to fix it?

Thanks,
Dylan (1984 Carrera Coupe)

[MotoSook]

Sounds like a bad switch..run a search on turn signal switch..this is a common problem.

[Gordo2]

My '83 had the exact problem.

From what I searched you can take it apart and spread the contacts out to fix it. As I understand this is temporary, they will bend back to the point to where they are now before long.

The replacement switch is around $120.

Superman suggested a temporary fix that I still have installed on mine:

Tuck a matchbook cover or equivallent thin piece of folded cardboard behind the switch arm to hold it in place. Keeps the highs from coming on when you don't want them to, but also keeps you from turning your highs on.

I did the matchbook trick about 4 months ago, planning to replace the switch, but meanwhile higher priorities has put this job off. The matchbook was the call, and also leaves me in the running for the "tight-wad" award.

Gordo

[83911sc]

Had the same problem - replacing the switch meant yanking the steering wheel and contorting upir body up under the dash to reconnect the turn signal stalk lead to the pull out light switch. Not a terrible job.

I just bought the relay set up so that all of the power for the lights don't have to go through the switch and burn out the new one. Iplan on installing it this weekend - it doesn't look too bad and is a great idea.

Adam

[vesnyder]

Had the exact situation and tried cleaning up the stalk contacts, but that fix was only temporary. Ultimately replaced the stalk - $99 - and it was easy. Tip - remove the headlight switch before trying to replace the wires on the back of the switch. It is virtually impossible to replace the wires without removing it!

As also mentioned, good idea to install a high/low headlight relay. This will prolong the life of the new stalk.

[Jdub]

You must install the relays. Just replacing the stalk guarantees you'll be back doing it again.

Search on Sucro and buy his $20.00 relay kit with instructions. Also Search on high beams and you'll see how to clean up the contacts that have now bent from heat due to too much current being pulled through the stalk contacts.

John

[Randy Webb]

Considering the amount of current running thru the switch a matchbook cover might start a fire...

[Gordo2]

The matchbook isn't between the contacts, it's behind the switch arm (and minus the matches).

[Superman]

I'll accept credit for the elegant matchbook solution but I don't think it's really mine. I chose to clean and tweek the contacts. Then when they quit working properly again, I cleaned and tweeked them again and installed relays and 55/100 bulbs. That was a couple of years ago. No problems since.