it works fine but when the headlights are on, the dashboard lights shut down and I have to play with the "stick" to keep the dashboard lights on.

Any suggestions what to check?

The control arm is tight with no play......a connector to clean ...or what else?

Still fully original unmolested 38YO.

You may need to disassemble and clean the combo switch. If you don't feel like doing it yourself, contact Dave, aka Zs-ondabrain. He will do it for a reasonable fee.