Panel switch

[awiedie]

Here's a little update on my failed switch problem and I am happy to report that I am batting 4 for 4 in the switch repair category.

First switch was 31963F, a little on/off interior light switch from the E Type. We don't have one of those on the S. I removed the four little indents from the front cover and opened the switch to find that the brass contacts were corroded and the brass 'sled' contact was slightly bent so it was making intermittent contact. I cleaned the contact surfaces with fine sandpaper, lubricated the rocker mechanism with dielectric grease and reassembled, gluing the cover to the case with gel super glue. Works like a charm. I had been following a NOS 31963 switch on Ebay which eventually sold for $97, so I figure I made $97 this week and had fun doing it!

Next came 31969 and 31960 which are essentially the same switch except 31969 has the resistors for the panel lights. To disassemble, I gently pried up the side flanges of the front cover just enough to remove it. It is a somewhat soft material and is easily staked back in place during reassembly. Inside is a weird plastic paddle, spring and contact mechanism. Try not to let that come apart. Ask me how I know. I again cleaned all brass contact surfaces on the paddles and in the case. Assembly was pretty straight forward. Success with two 31969 (one for the E Type) and one 31960, and I still have the original switches from the cars. Thanks for looking for the switches, Jose, but I won't be needing any. Save them for future use.

[cass3958]

Nice work Alan and photos which really help. I think I have a problem with my fan switch as it works on low but not on high and I assume it is a dirty contact inside so will be taking it apart to clean before buying a new one now.

[Jose]

that is the beauty of Lucas components, they are "cleanable". All the way to my 1984 XJ-6, its switches and components can be disassembled and made to work again.

[Orlando St.R]

Thanks, Alan. That's very interesting. And very resourceful of you. It's good to know what's going on inside these switches.

Rob, you might check the under-bonnet wiring to the resistor before you pull the switch apart.

[Glyn Ruck]

Good news Alan ~ They are tough old switches.

I just gave all of mine a good spray with CRC Switch Cleaner & operated numerous times before reinstalling & so far so good!

[awiedie]

Just out of curiosity, to which terminals did you all connect the panel light and indicator strip wires? Wiring diagram says 7 and 8. One of mine was connected to 6, I can't remember which. Power is 4.

[Jose]

that's why I take a picture before disconnecting or disassembling parts. My brain does not remember as in my 20's.

[cass3958]

Just out of curiosity, to which terminals did you all connect the panel light and indicator strip wires? Wiring diagram says 7 and 8. One of mine was connected to 6, I can't remember which. Power is 4.

Don't know if this will help or not Alan but here is a photo of my fuse and terminal block before I restored my car so should be original. It will not assist with the colours of the wires but might show how many connectors are plugged in on each block.

[Jose]

the Fuse and Component Legend printed on the aluminium plate should tell you what goes where. I assume you guys have the plate which is seen when you open the panel??

[cass3958]

Oh Yes still got that plate.