Maybe I misread the original post - you're saying that the headlights sort of come on (7 Volts) when you only select sidelights.
Your idea about the switch is a good one - the stalk can often give problems internally. Usually it affects the indicator circuit - you hear it clicking when you haven't operated the switch. I guess it's the left-hand stalk for both circuits....
It's fairly easy to change the stalk over, but make sure you get the correct one because they are different for airbag and non-airbag cars.