Toggle switch overhaul!
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 18
From: Marysville WA
Toggle switch overhaul!
So being new to Porsche 928 issues i decided to tackle this one. After i got this car i found that the power switches for the driver seat did not work well if at all. and after my seat got stuck in the full "homie" back position it was time to act! i could not find a thread on how to fix this, so i am making one!
once you get the switch out of the seat,
Pry of the top of the switch near the center pivot points. be careful that you do not pry to hard and snap the plasic. when you get the top off there are two springs in the top rocker that hold two ***** down on to the switch brass to keep pressure. they can stay on the springs due to grease or on the brass rockers in the switch. remove them and keep them in a safe place.
i used a small stone bit on the end of a dremel to clean the contact areas on the brass rockers and the base unit its self. here you can see the base unit contacts black with carbon.
i cleaned the top brass rocker, the bottom is still dirty.
and here is a clean base unit
after you have cleaned the contact areas just re-assemble the switch. i found that when the brass rockers are back in, it is much easier to lay the top upside down with the springs facing up, then sticking the ***** back on the springs then lowering the base unit on to the top and with a slight amount of pressure popping the two back together.
now they work like a charm! tomorrow i will tackle a window switch.
thanks for looking!
once you get the switch out of the seat,
Pry of the top of the switch near the center pivot points. be careful that you do not pry to hard and snap the plasic. when you get the top off there are two springs in the top rocker that hold two ***** down on to the switch brass to keep pressure. they can stay on the springs due to grease or on the brass rockers in the switch. remove them and keep them in a safe place.
i used a small stone bit on the end of a dremel to clean the contact areas on the brass rockers and the base unit its self. here you can see the base unit contacts black with carbon.
i cleaned the top brass rocker, the bottom is still dirty.
and here is a clean base unit
after you have cleaned the contact areas just re-assemble the switch. i found that when the brass rockers are back in, it is much easier to lay the top upside down with the springs facing up, then sticking the ***** back on the springs then lowering the base unit on to the top and with a slight amount of pressure popping the two back together.
now they work like a charm! tomorrow i will tackle a window switch.
thanks for looking!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 2
Thanks for posting. I have had my switches apart a few times to refurb them. It would be nice to know if there were replacement contacts available to replace the originals when the contacts eventually burn off to the point of being non repairable.
Addict
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Temecula, CA
Great write up!
I might tackle this over the winter since my switches are sticking due to lack of use. Any tips for pulling the switch out of the console without damaging anything?
I might tackle this over the winter since my switches are sticking due to lack of use. Any tips for pulling the switch out of the console without damaging anything?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31,243
Likes: 4,225
From: Philly PA
you can also use a pencil eraser to clean the contacts, this doesnt remove as much of the contact surface, but it does clean it.
It is also a good idea to remove the window motors and clean and lube them so they will have less drag this reduces the the amount of elex going through the switch, and thus the reduction in arcing
It is also a good idea to remove the window motors and clean and lube them so they will have less drag this reduces the the amount of elex going through the switch, and thus the reduction in arcing
Electron Wrangler
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 13,662
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From: Phoenix AZ
There are other threads about window/sunroof switches which are basically the same. Note that when you file/sand/polish away all the plating on the contacts its likely that future deterioriation will be faster - still worth doing but you will have changed the contact material. I'd use a non isolating contact cleaner as well (e.g. deoxit/stabilant), Don't use contact protectants - they are designed to protect from oxidation by sealing and will reduce contact effectiveness in a switch/relay terminal - the opposite of what you want.
Alan
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 18
From: Marysville WA
thanks for the comments guys. in hindsight i would have used some other way to clean the contacts, but there is alot of flex in the contacts and plenty of material so im not to worried. it did not remove that much material. i need to find out how to get the old ones out of the centre console next...
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,379
Likes: 128
From: Stratford-upon-Avon
With the carpeted console sides off (couple of screws - you may have to remove a parcel shelf) you can just push up on the switches to pop them out.
They are on very long cables to connect to wiring loom almost at the firewall end of console. You could disconnect them there, or you may find it's easier to work on the switches without the attached cables in which case cut them near the switch then make your own connectors to re-join.
They are on very long cables to connect to wiring loom almost at the firewall end of console. You could disconnect them there, or you may find it's easier to work on the switches without the attached cables in which case cut them near the switch then make your own connectors to re-join.
