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Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Sat May 30, 2015 11:33 pm
by cushers
Hi
The little switches that sit against the bottom off the front doors and pop out to operate the lights and key in the ignition alarm.
Are the passengers and drivers side ones interchangeable?
Drivers one popped out and seems to be embedded in polystyrene. Passengers side does not. Any thoughts?
G
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Sun May 31, 2015 12:00 am
by Simon Jones
They are interchangeable and look to be a fairly standard size so you could probably get a suitable replacement from the likes of Halfords.
This one may fit although you'd need to chop a bit off the length:
http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel ... ger-switch
What was the problem with current one? Can't visualise the polystyrene thing you mentioned.
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 12:00 am
by cushers
Thanks Simon. When I removed the drivers side one completely there is a a polystyrene block with a hole for the switch to fit in to. That's the best way to describe it. This isn't there on the passenger side and it doesn't look it's a retro fit.
Thanks for the other info too. Sounds like the polystyrene isn't that crucial so will hack it out to get better access to the connector. Mine is a Freda in case that makes any difference.
G
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 12:39 pm
by Simon Jones
It sounds like someone previously has done some modifications. There should be an identical switch for both sides which is held in place by a screw that also forms the earth connection. Any chance you can add a photo so we can see what it looks like?
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 10:43 pm
by cushers
Will try with the photos. Need to get a photo bucket or similar account. I have dug more of it out and it looks more like an open cell injected foam which could make getting to the connection a tad difficult. Will dig further and give it a jiggle.
G
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 12:16 pm
by Simon Jones
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 1:20 pm
by cushers
Thanks for doing that simon. Sills are soon to be replaced so we will see. Think moister had been trapped then corroded the drivers side button switch. Hence the thought of swapping.
Thanks again
Graeme
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 1:45 pm
by mikeWalsall
It is common practice by some to inject cavities / door / bonnet / strengthening bars with expanding polyurethane type 'builders' foam .. Is it that ..??
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 5:21 pm
by cushers
I believe it is mike. All now becoming clear. Getting there.
G
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 5:42 pm
by Simon Jones
mikeWalsall wrote:It is common practice by some to inject cavities / door / bonnet / strengthening bars with expanding polyurethane type 'builders' foam .. Is it that ..??
Only if you're Richard Hammond building an amphibious 'dampervan'

Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 3:36 am
by helen&tony
Hi
I just can't imagine what kind of idiot puts foam in a hollow section ...unless they want to speed up the rust process....especially if wiring is in the cavity....it can do unimaginable damage.
Cheers
Helen
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 9:24 am
by cushers
Helen & Tony,
Unfortunately I don't have to imagine the damage! I can see it. Thanks to everyone for their time and advice. Have ordered new buttons and should have my lights on alarm back on the drivers side in a week or so.
On to the next job now.
Graeme
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 10:48 am
by mikeWalsall
On Japanese .. Philippines .. Malayan sites it is common to see tutorials on injecting expanding foam around bracing strips .. cavities etc: to quieten the ride / eliminate panel drumming: ..
Even in England before the aerosol came along some 'Rally driver types' used to use two pack polyurethane expanding foam to stiffen up the chassis /cills / box sections etc: ..
I often wondered if in trapping damp (I never thought about wires to be honest) if it was actually practical ..
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 3:19 pm
by helen&tony
cushers wrote:Helen & Tony,
Unfortunately I don't have to imagine the damage! I can see it. Thanks to everyone for their time and advice. Have ordered new buttons and should have my lights on alarm back on the drivers side in a week or so.
On to the next job now.
Graeme
Hi Graeme...
At least you're getting the sills done...BIG bonus, really!
Cheers
Helen
Re: Switches that operate lights and alarms
Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 5:01 pm
by cushers
All sorted now.
I used one of these
http://www.thetoolboxshop.com/0-486-00- ... -2344.html
almost identical to the original.
Thanks for the help and advice.
The list gets shorter now
Graeme