[andya]

Doesn't work reliably. I've sprayed contact cleaner down the shaft and actuated it dozens of times and it hasn't really helped. I checked on the price of this part and wow - $80 - $120! I would like my foot well lights to come on when I open the door but not at that cost.

The switch is riveted together. Has anyone successfully disassembled and reassembled one of these?

Thanks, Andy

 

[rowdie]

You have checked for power?

 

[andya]

I've tested it with a multimeter - on two of the contacts it only closes the connection when the plunger is halfway. Andy

 

[frazierfrazier]

I would remove, disassemble and refurbish. If it’s working intermittently, it could be poor contact due to arcing, in which case you can file and polish the contact points. This has happened with my window switches a few times... Never disassembled, but I’m sure it’s possible!

 

[jbparchitects]

Andya
Never had that switch apart. As you are probably aware it does several things. In my car it automatically releases the seat back locking mechanism (SLC) and aside from activating the courtesy lights, it also allows the window switches to operate (no key in ignition) which door closed.

 

[andya]

Thanks for the replies. I plucked up the courage and went for it!

First I drilled out the two rivets using a 3/32" bit. They spin around but pushing on the bit helps to get them to come out.

The contacts were corroded on one side.

I used some 120 grit sandpaper wrapped around a small screwdriver to clean the plunger and the contacts in the body.

I then bolted the parts back together using two M2 x 12mm bolts, two washers and two nuts.

Finally I painted the bolt heads and washers with gloss black acrylic paint.

Total repair cost was about $2.

Andy

 

[frazierfrazier]

Now that’s how you do it! Thanks for the write up.

 

[CousinMB]

Thanks Andy, that's another job I have to get on to as well
Knowing what is inside is helpful

 

[Bauk18]

Very nice!

 

[Franklyspeaking]

I did something similar. Good work. Fixing is much better than throwing money at new parts, unless there is no alternative.

 

[Aussiemerc]

Well done Andy. I love it when someone spends $2 to fix an $80 part

 

[miko1aj]

Fantastic work, well done Andy. I love those hacks, my Eleanor's full of them 😂