Interior Lights_door switch

[Peter Mueller]

Three of the interior lights above the doors are only working either constantly on or off. I thought it was the old problem with corroded contacts and bad earth. I removed one of them, cleaned all the contacts and even inserted a new self-tapping screw as I assumed that this is earth.

At first it did nothing so I removed it again - only this time still with the battery connected. I got a few weak sparks from the screw when it touched the body work and all of a sudden the light worked in the intermediate position. However, it went out once when I pressed the plastic plunger of the door contact and then stayed out as before. The same happened again when I dismantled, cleaned and refitted the contact a second time.

I wanted to have a look inside the switch of the actual light fitting but that all seems integral in a way not meant to be opened ever. I am, therefore, afraid to break anything beyond repair if trying to get to the switch inside the lamp.

Any ideas?

Thanks Peter

[stantondavies]

I would think that the 'plastic plungers' or their connections are the likely cause of the problem.

[Phil Nottingham]

Does the light work when earthing the wire direct to the screw hole?

New switches are readily obtainable cheaply although they are not the same as the the ones fitted (there were several types anyway used)

[Peter Mueller]

Dear Phil

I haven't tried the 'direct earthing' trick. That shows you how advanced I am in these matters. I'll give it a try today and see how it goes.

Thanks

Peter

[Peter Mueller]

Phil

When I earthed it directly the light came on but stayed on despite pressing the switch

Peter

[Phil Nottingham]

Assuming the "switch" means the courtesy light switch this proves its is this item which require requires replacement. They cannot be successfully cleaned (for long at any rate)

[dorsetflyer]

I have found over the years, that a good clean up of the contacts, a good earth contact for the switch body, and a liberal spraying of the mechanism with WD40 plus working the plunger vigorously for a while will usually do the trick.

[Peter Mueller]

Sorry Phil

I meant the plunger of the door switch. I should have made that clearer.

Peter