[stellgod]

I can't figure this out. I've dissassembled the turn signal switch assembly, cleaned all the gunk, and lubed it back up with dielectric grease. I've put it back together and...it's still very stick.

When I try to turn on the blinkers, it's like the little metal piece with the contacts that slides the plastic piece doesn't slide it far enough in either direction. I can only get the blinkers to kick on if I reach in with a screwdriver and slide them all the way to the left/right.

After I move it left/right, it doesn't pop back to center. When I press it in, it also doesn't pop back to center.

When I loosen the screw holding the metal piece with the contacts, it doesn't help very much. Does that screw in the center need to be TIGHT, or just barely tight enough?

 

["Captain D"]

I don`t remember
It`s been since 2007 when I went into mine and cleaned/lubed it...
BUT, it sounds like something still ain`t right...

Have another GO at it, and clean & lube it again...

Good Luck,
D

I used Electrical Contact Cleaner and Electric Joint Compound when doing mine...

 

[BlazingShadows]

I had the same problem with my switch. I found the dielectric grease to be to sticky and thick. I cleaned that off and applied a small amount of "Super Lube" synthetic grease. It is rated dielectric and has a temp. range of -45 to +450 degrees. It is thinner and less sticky than regular dielectric. That solved the problem and its been working great .

 

[jwinker]

I had the same problem with my switch. I found the dielectric grease to be to sticky and thick.

Same thing I did when I re-did my bars. I cleaned the switch spotless, then greased it until it was unusable. Took it all apart again and cleaned it. Now it's 90%, but I still miss-clear it about 3/10 times. Someone told me silicone-based dielectric grease for small components is the way to go. Haven't tried it yet, but I might this winter.

 

[RONW]

Does that screw in the center need to be TIGHT, or just barely tight enough?

Just barely. Is your thumb lever bent?

 

[Scared]

I had to take the little springs and steel balls out and scrub them with an old toothbrush (notice I said old. Don't use your wife's) and kerosene. Those parts are small, but I have all thumbs and I managed.

 

[stellgod]

Well, I pulled it apart for about the 4th time today, pulled all the springs and ball bearing out and sprayed them down.

It's something to do with that turn signal lever. It feels like metal/metal grinding. If the bolt is kinda tight, you can force it in, and won't pop out with out help. The left/right turn signals work great though. If I loosen it, the left/right turn signals won't go far enough and won't kick on, but it's easier to push in/pull out.

I don't know how, but I guess that thumb lever is either warped or I need some better grease.

I'll try better grease next go around, and if that doesn't work. I'll just buy a new assembly for $80

 

["Captain D"]

$80?? OWWCCHH!!!
Not trying to be a smartass, but dielectric grease is NOT my drug of choice for switches...
It is NOT a lubricant...
I DO use dielectric grease on (slide type) connectors to keep the crud & moisture out of the connection, as this is its intended purpose...

Yeah, stelgod, you still have a problem with moving parts not aligned is my guess...

LLLL bring it over, I can have the lift cleared off by the time you get here

 

[wildbilly]

springs and balls? I cleaned everything above the plate inside (very gunky) and the lever moved freely, but it feels like I'm missing a spring to make the switch pop back out. The switch tends to want to stay in... I'll look deeper tomorrow. Good idea, thanks.