1969 CADILLAC HEADLIGHT RHEOSTAT

[1969cadillac]

Hello !

my 69 Cad headlight rheostat for the dashlights needs cleaning

when I attach an ohmmeter across the terminals the reading is all over the place and makes no sense - it

is not a linear reading from high to low ohms as one would think it would be .

A friend suggested soaking it in innox or WD40 overnight

any suggestions please ?

Thanks, Murray Mules

[savemy67]

Hello Murray,

I would use an electrical contact cleaner, and rotate the switch several (more than 10) times, and check again with an Ohmmeter.  I would not use WD-40 or INOX as these products are lubricants and do not evaporate, and I would not soak the switch overnight. 

WD-40 and INOX are good products, but they are not what you need for your switch.  Most likely, there is dirt/corrosion between the  rotating contact and the resistance wire in the rheostat section of the switch.  The surfaces need to be cleaned and dried so that good electrical contact can be made.  The lubricants will leave an oily residue that will attract dirt.  Let us know the results.  Good luck.

Respectfully submitted,
Christopher Winter

[Scot Minesinger]

agree with Christopher

[Glen]

I agree with Christopher also and I will add that the dimmer should be operated maybe once a month or so to keep it clean. 

[76eldo]

Use electrical contact cleaner or tuner cleaner.

WD-40 would probably work but it's going to be a greasy mess and there no need to soak it overnight.

Brian