Re: alfa-digest V9 #1011>Subject: [alfa] 105 light switch R&R

["Rex Chalmers" <rex@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jacob,

The problem you are having is due to a loss of tension and probably burned
contacts in the switch. I have been using a repair for this for many years
with about a 95% success rate.  You don't have to remove the wheel either.
Remove the plastic cowls covering the column.  Get a can of contact cleaner
and some type of abrasive cloth, thin points file or emery board. If you
inspect the switch and move the lever to the first position, you will see a
set of contacts, that look much like a miniature set of ignition points
moving up and down.  Insert your abrasive of choice between the points and
gently move in and out, enough to clean of the top of each point. Now clean
with contact cleaner and allow to dry.  If you are handy with small tools,
you can also bend the point arm slightly to create a tad more tension
between the points.  Don't bend too much as you will create a situation
where the circuit is always closed.  The reason that this burning occurs is
that there is no relay in the circuit. The result of this design is that the
switch contact carry the full amperage load of the lights. I would suggest
that you install a relay in circuit.  The result is that the only load the
switch will carry is the signal to the relay and the relay will do the full
amperage load carrying. I would also suggest install relays for the high and
low beam circuits. Good Luck.

Rex Chalmers
Alfa Sport
Alfarex.com  (on line in January 04)
65 Sprint Speciale
66 Duetto
87 Milano
91 164
92 164
71 Merlyn Formula Ford
>>
> Jacob Haagerup
> Rotterdam, Netherlands
> 1975 GT 1600 Jr. M 1.8
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 21:51:36 +0100
> From: Jacob Haagerup <digest@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] 105 light switch R&R
>
> Digestibles.
>
> The light switch in my GT has gained the irritating habit of switching
> off the front marker lights along with the instrument lights and most
> seriously also the rears. If i pull the stalk ever so slightly towards
> me they turn back on.
>
> My fix at the moment is a wedge of paper which maintains pressure on
> the stalk since it is annoying, difficult and also somewhat dangerous
> to be driving along at 180 kmh with one hand on the wheel - what? Oh
> no, I never drive that fast - I swear.
>
> Anyway, I reckon the steering wheel has to come off to get at the
> switch (which in itself will be pain^H^H^H^H interesting) but what will
> I in the estimation of the digest be facing once I get to the switch
> and will it be fixable? New ones are hard to come by and expensive I
> understand, so I'd rather prolong the life of the one I have - in true
> shade-tree alfisto fashion.
>
> Any advice and experience by the digesters is welcome (in particular
> besides the *fit relays* advice which I am probably going to do anyway).
>
> TIA
>
> Jacob Haagerup,
> 1975 GT 1600 Jr. M 1.8
>
> ------------------------------
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