Fw: [DML] Headlight Switch Problem.

["Chris Parnham" <chrisparnham@xxxx>]

I agree with most of it...but where on earth does one get/ buy/ or collect
"gorilla snot"..it sounds jolly dangerous to me!

Chris P....nackerd after a very busy NEC!

----- Original Message -----
From: "Walter" <Whalt@xxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, November 11, 2001 8:03 PM
Subject: Re: [DML] Headlight Switch Problem.


> I have solved this problem before. The fix is to disassemble the switch
and
> add some non-hardening gorilla snot at the point where the long
> staple-looking wire pivots.
>
> My original switch didn't latch well, so I bought a NOS one from a vendor.
> This new switch didn't latch well either. I disassembled both switches
and
> saw nothing wrong with them -- no worn or bent or melted parts. It seemed
> that the switch was just a poor design. Out of frustration, I cut a hole
in
> the side of one so that I could actually see what was happening inside
while
> it was all together. To my amazement, I discovered the problem. The
design
> of the switch relies on friction at the pivot point where the long
> staple-looking wire mounts in the base. If there is not enough friction
at
> this point, then the other end of the 'staple' will not find its way
> properly though the labyrinth.
>
> When these switches are new, there is probably enough friction to allow
most
> of them to work. But the more they are used, the more the pivot point
> loosens up. Even the brand-new switch was too loose inside to work
> properly. The fix -- just put some kind of flexible adhesive in there at
> the pivot point. Perhaps a little 3M general trim adhesive, some rubber
> cement, or try what I used -- Permatex non-hardening Form-A-Gasket. My
> switch has latched perfectly ever since.
>
> Another tip is to install the switch so that the side with the white
key-way
> post is facing the passenger side of the car. In this orientation, if the
> pivot point loosens up too much then gravity will help the mechanism to at
> least get your running lights on. If it loosens up while put in the other
> way, then gravity may stop it from latching at all.
>
> Otherwise, I've heard stories from various people: Press it real hard and
> fast / press it on the upper right corner / jiggle it while you push it
in,
> etc. Basically any latching problem can be fixed by stiffing up the pivot
> point.
>
> Another problem I had with my switch is the socket on the back was too
> loose. I tried to tighten the connections, but couldn't get the thing
apart
> without destroying it. So I ended up replacing the socket with individual
> spade-lug terminals. I used electrician's numbered tape to label the
wires
> so that the next guy can figure out where they belong.
>
> Another head light switch tip (this one given to me by Rob Grady): When
> pressing the button, use two fingers on either side of the switch, and
keep
> your fingers away from the center. This will stop the headlight symbol
from
> wearing away. If it does wear off, then it really looks bad especially at
> night when you can see the backlight shining through.
>
> Walt Tampa, FL
>
>
>
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