The dashboard dimmer on my headlight switch only works in one position.If its turned either way the contact on the resistor  loses power.Short of replacing the switch is there anything I can try first?Thanks

  

The only thing that I heard might provide a fix is to sand lightly the part (can't remember the name) that the moving part slides on. May be oxidation preventing a good contact. Also the sliding part where it contact the other part (Make sense?? - I hope so as the names elude me right now).

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Hello Paul,I think you mean the reostat(variable resistor) which is the part that turns with the knob.I thought about doing that but just wanted to see if anyone had any other fixes.The switch itself is fine just annoying because I have to find the exact spot where the dashlights will go on.Thanks

  

My switch was doing the same thing. What I did is remove the switch, lightly sand the contacts as Paul suggested, clean with contact cleaner and then apply Di-Electric grease to the reostat. The Di-Electric grease lubes the reostat so it turns easily but also (sez so right here on the can) "protects electrical contacts and prevents rust and corrosion". My switch now works better than new.



Actually I use this stuff on all of my electrical connections, spark plug wires (make them easy to remove, tail lights, headlights, etc). Seals out moisture so the contacts to corrode or short out.





Johnson Rod



Southern California

http://www.ctci.org/membership/Gilsgarage/HeadlightSwitch.htm

BOO- YA!!!

Sometimes, all a bad rheostat or potentiometer needs is occasionally cranking it back and forth a few hundred times. Easier than taking it apart.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Thanks for all the suggestions.Took it out and cleaned up the 2 contact surfaces.Works MUCH better now.Appreciate the input.