Steering Column Headlight Dimmer
 

I disassembled my steering column (all the way down), and after putting it back together, there is an issue with my headlight dimmer, I obviously did something wrong.
So here's my question: How does it work? I *think* it uses this metal rod that hugs the side of the column. The metal rod runs down into this white electric piece on the side of the column. But what does it do? How does it work? With the power on and all the column wires attached, I moved that bar every which way and couldn't get the brights to come on.
Also when I completely reassemble the column, the brights dimmer is loose (you can wobble it forward and back) and it does nothing. Turn signals work fine.

Out of all the instructions I found online for disassembling and reassembling the entire column, nobody was clear on how to reassemble the headlight dimmer

Thanks!

Re: Steering Column Headlight Dimmer
 

I'll try and explain it.
Make sure the rod is seated in the dimmer switch on top of the column. At the lever there is a black plastic piece that has a halfmoon shape on one end that rest against the rod coming up the column from the switch, the plastic piece fits into the cover below the dimmer/turn signal lever so when you pull the lever it pushes the plastic piece against the rod and depresses the dimmer switch on the column. Whew, does that make any sense to you?

Re: Steering Column Headlight Dimmer
 

Somewhat. I'll have to take a look at the column when I get home.
So does that metal rod go into the hole on the top of that white switch?
What movement does the rod need to activate the switch? I've tried moving it every direction imaginable and can't get it to do anything. The dimmer worked before I tore it apart...
Thanks.

Re: Steering Column Headlight Dimmer
 

Yes the rod goes in a hole on the switch and if it's not in it it will not move. the rod will push down on the switch.

Re: Steering Column Headlight Dimmer
 

YUP, the switch is a push-button type switch, and that rod activates it. The hole just catches the rod end. Rod does not appear to be really held into the column by much, mine fell out when I was replacing ignition switch.

The lever is probably loose because it doesn't have the rod sandiched between it and the switch below.