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High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

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Old 12-09-2020, 10:07 PM
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High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

So, I installed new tilt pins and that went fine although the oversize pins took a bit of hammering they were so tight. Anyway, when I reassemble the column, I can get the headlight dimmer to switch holding the slide and plastic cover in place but after installing the upper housing it won't switch using the turn signal switch arm. It was generally working before the pin change although it might once in a great while it might not switch. I can see the plastic housing with the dimmer slide piece kind of bulge out to the side a little when I try to switch it. I made sure the plastic slide is mounted inside the cover with the rod set into it before sliding the housing on. Any ideas or anybody had a similar problem and know how to fix it???

Thanks...
Old 12-09-2020, 10:50 PM
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Re: High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

Your actual dimmer switch is down on the underside of the steering column. It is an easy fix, but it is going to be a pain in the rear. All you need to do is locate the actual switch and adjust it.
Old 12-10-2020, 10:28 AM
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Re: High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

The switch works but it is not getting activated by the rod and actuator at the top of the column. I can push the actuator holding the cover in place and the rod works the dimmer switch at the base of the column. But when I put the column cover housing on, it apparently won't push the rod far enough or the rod binds and won't move far enough. I did order a new dimmer switch and ignition switch so this weekend I will replace those but the way it is acting, I don't think that will solve what appears to be a mechanical linkage issue... What concerns me is that the cover over the actuator tends to bulge out to the side like the rod is being pushed sideways. A new switch likely wouldn't solve that problem, if that is a problem.
Old 12-10-2020, 10:48 AM
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Re: High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

I did find this thread and will check the rod in the switch but I am pretty certain it is correct so don't think this will solve my issue.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...activator.html

Old 12-10-2020, 11:54 AM
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Re: High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

Originally Posted by LarryD
The switch works but it is not getting activated by the rod and actuator at the top of the column. I can push the actuator holding the cover in place and the rod works the dimmer switch at the base of the column. But when I put the column cover housing on, it apparently won't push the rod far enough or the rod binds and won't move far enough. I did order a new dimmer switch and ignition switch so this weekend I will replace those but the way it is acting, I don't think that will solve what appears to be a mechanical linkage issue... What concerns me is that the cover over the actuator tends to bulge out to the side like the rod is being pushed sideways. A new switch likely wouldn't solve that problem, if that is a problem.
I think you don't have the plastic piece in the column aligned on the slider pin that it goes on. You're going to have to take it apart again
Old 12-10-2020, 12:46 PM
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Re: High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

Spray the switch w/ WD40. It got mine working.
Old 12-12-2020, 11:09 AM
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Re: High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

New after market actuator on the top in the pic and the factory original on the bottom. Notice the extra tab on the bottom right corner of the new one.
Old 12-12-2020, 01:40 PM
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Re: High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

Never even seen one that wasn't factory out of an original column. Must be a revision to help hold the push rod better
Old 12-15-2020, 09:57 AM
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Re: High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

I had a problem with rod and it got loose on the steering wheel end -> i was lazy and got a floor switch https://www.thirdgen.org/dimmer/

edit:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/chevrolet,1979,g20,5.7l+350cid+v8,1045370,electrical-connector,headlamp+dimmer+switch+connector,2572

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/chevrolet,1979,g20,5.7l+350cid+v8,1045370,electrical-switch+&+relay,dimmer+switch,4340



Last edited by zoidberg355; 12-15-2020 at 10:07 AM.
Old 12-15-2020, 10:18 AM
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Re: High Beam Not Switching after New Tilt Pins

End result on mine was that the dimmer rod did come out of the hole in the switch. I ended up lowering the column so while at it I replaced both the dimmer switch and the ignition switch (starter was occasionally just clicking). With the column down, I was able to make sure the adjustments on both switches was correct. It's all back together now and everything is working along with a tight tilt column.
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