Repairing turn signal switch

[clipper47]

After just installing a new ignition switch I now find that the turn signal switch on my 635CSi is not working properly. It works fine when moving the left down to the left turn position but when pushed up to a right position I hear only a buzz like a poor electrical contact would make. My question is; can this switch be taken apart and the contact repaired etc.or will another switch have to be sourced.

[clipper47]

I guess I jumped the gun on this question. I removed the lower steering column panel and the rubber disc dust seal and was able to squirt a dose of contact cleaner into the switch components and all seems well again.

[WISE9UY]

Don't forget to check the relay also. Those can give out after a while too.

[josh]

I had this exact same problem. I swapped out bulbs, i traced and ohm'd wires, cleaned connections, rechecked grounds, replaced the relay, etc, etc. Then I took the turn signal switch out, drilled out the two rivets holding it together (really just drilled the tops off and pushed them out), then took a dremel with a small rotary wire brush to all the contacts, regreased everything, and zipped tied the housing back together. (would have used some tiny screws but didn't have any handy) Now everything works like brand new.

Mind you, this is IF one of the turn signals isn't working, but the hazards are fine. It was really easy compared to all the other things I tried before hand.


Just wanted to post this here in case someone is trying to search for a solution. I wish I had had the fore-site to take pictures to post, but it's really straight forward once you get it apart.

-josh

[hornhospital]

That would have been a much cheaper option than spending $158 on a new switch like my buddy did. Thanks for posting!

[bpoliakoff]

I had this exact same problem. I swapped out bulbs, i traced and ohm'd wires, cleaned connections, rechecked grounds, replaced the relay, etc, etc. Then I took the turn signal switch out, drilled out the two rivets holding it together (really just drilled the tops off and pushed them out), then took a dremel with a small rotary wire brush to all the contacts, regreased everything, and zipped tied the housing back together. (would have used some tiny screws but didn't have any handy) Now everything works like brand new. Mind you, this is IF one of the turn signals isn't working, but the hazards are fine. It was really easy compared to all the other things I tried before hand. Just wanted to post this here in case someone is trying to search for a solution. I wish I had had the fore-site to take pictures to post, but it's really straight forward once you get it apart. -josh

No reason to zip tie. I rebuilt mine using some new ball bearings and springs from my local hardware store as mine came apart when I had it stored. The ball bearing and spring are what work with the detent to keep the lever in position. When ready to put it back together, I tapped the hole and used a 5/40 Alan screw. No zip tie and nice and mechanical looking

[josh]

Yeah, if I had any screws that would fit, I would have done just that. But nothing I had on hand was small enough, so I went with zips which work fine, but, as you say, don't look very good (though, you can't see them when everything is put back together). If/when I plan to have the steering wheel etc off again, I'll make sure to do it properly.

[bpoliakoff]

Believe it or not, screws and tap came from an ACE Hardware store.