Why do my automatic Headlights go on and off when moving steering column

When the auto lights are supposed to come on (after dark) sometimes they won't. By accident I moved the steering wheel and then the lights came on. So I moved the wheel again and they would go off. This didn't always happen in the same position. Its like there is a short in the steering column. But is there wiring for the headlights in the steering column. I know the bright lites are in the directional signals lever. But the bright lights work all the time, no problem there. Any help would be appreciated.