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 > > > > To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: > moderator@xxxx > > To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >