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Start Switch Cleaning

1493 Views 11 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  L8ndeb, 
L8ndeb
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Hello All,



Well, I'm having the dreaded start switch issue. I've tried spraying some contact cleaner into the switch from the button side, worked it good, but not much inprovement. My next question is, got the two cluster screws out, and the housing apart. Is there a way to remove the switch or switch top cover, clean and lube it, then re-assemble?



Thanks to all....
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racingbanker16
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I don't have an answer to your question but I have a question for you? The bulb in my left hand switch has evidently burned out and I have tried to take the switch housingapart toreplace itbut after removing two screws it seems something is still holding the halves together? They will separate slightly but do not come apart easily? I don't want to break anything so I have not tried to pry the halves apart with screwdriver or putty knife? Do you have to remove the grip or something else to separate the halves? Thanks for any info you might have.
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L8ndeb
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My interstate does not have lighted switches. However, the righthand cluster (with the start switch) came apart with the removal of the two screws. I also do not have cruise control, so alot less clutter in the cluster. I would start a different thread with the same question.
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plainmech
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not sure if start switch is like cb switch but i suspect it is, if so i did a post of how to clean, it's probably pages back in tech forum cb radio switches. pics kinda poor but you'll get the idea. main thing is clean floor and rag around switch as you disassemble as spring and contacts can fly. hope this helps:waving::action:
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L8ndeb
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Thanks for the reply mech. I guess my main question should have read HOW do you disassemble it. So far, I can't see a way to crack that thing open. Granted, it is still in the right hand cluster, but I cannot tell if there is a top to the switch to remove. If so, is there a tab of some kind that holds it in place.
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L8ndeb
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BTW, to banker, sorry I was so short on my last post. Long day, late, and sick to boot. If you cannot find and answer to your question by doing a search, let me know and I'll look through my service manual to see what is says.
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plainmech
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can you take a pic so i could see if it's similar to cb switch? if that's the case you remove a retainer screw and switch housing has 4 tabs. but i'm guessing on similarity:waving:also this is based on 1200 maybe different, but i'd try
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L8ndeb
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Does this help?

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I've only opened the left cluster with the dimmer, turn signals, and horn. I would assume that the right side is similar. The horn and starter switch seem the same.

After removing the screws, I gently pulled and wiggled the two halves aprat enough to get inside and remove the switches for cleaning. The wiring is the main thing that seems to resist in opening it up.

Once I got it open enough. there were just a few screws holding the switches in place. I carefully removed them and pulled the switches out. I was then able to cleant everything with WD40 and a cloth. After getting all the grime out, I reassembled it and the switches worked great.

It's well worth the effort to get inside and clean the cluster. With a little care and patience, you're switches will be working like new.
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L8ndeb
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Hi Noob,
Thanks for the reply. Getting the cluster apart was not the problem. As you can see from the pic, to me, there is nothing holding on a top plate/cover on the switch itself. Once I figure that out, cleaning won't be a problem. I just don't want to break the thing trying to get to the switch guts.
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racingbanker16
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L8ndeb



No problem, I didn't mean to HiJack your thread. I am really not a novice at repairs to the GWbut when it didn't come easily apart when I removed the screws I didn't want to break somethingforcingthe housing apart. You had evidently taken yours apart so I wondered if there was a 'trick' to it. I'll try a search to see. Thanks
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L8ndeb
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If there is any interest, here is how I disassembled and cleaned my start switch:

1. Slide back or remove throttle grip.
2. Unscrew return throttle cable lock nut.
3. Unscrew two phillips head screws that hold the cluster together.
4. Wiggle the bottom half of the cluster around to the point where there is access to the small phillips screw that holds the brass/gold looking plate. Remove the screw and the plate.
5. Making sure the ignition is off (or battery disconnected) gently move two of the four wires of the switch up and the other two down. This will expose the small phillips screw that retains the switch in the cluster. Remove the screw.
6. With some manuvering, the switch will come out. You may (probably) have to try to get some slack from the cable assembly out of the cluster to get the switch to the point where you can work on it.
7. Lay a white towel on the ground under the cluster/switch. It will be obvious at this point how the switch comes apart. CAREFULLY (they will break, don't ask me how I know) pry the locking tabs away from the switch on one side, then the other. At this point, the top cover of the switch (the one with the wires connected) will separate from the base. You will see the connections, and how dirty, corroded, arced they are. Careful of the base. You do not want to let the push button come out of the housing (numerous springs, etc.) On top of the push button, you will see two copper slides that will probably be as nasty as the top connections. Be careful of these as well as they are spring loaded.
8. Using electrical contact cleaner sprayed on a non terry cloth towel (use a shop towel or equivalent, as terry cloth could end up catching on something) clean the contacts on the top and the copper slides on the top of the button. Next, using 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper, gently sand all contacts until clean. It will probably not require alot of pressure or sanding. Afterwards, reclean with contact cleaner.
9. Using electrical contact cleaner and compressed air (not alot of pressure) clean out the base with the switch. Make sure you do not blow the thing apart with the air. After dry, add a LITTLE white lithium grease to the bottom of the button. Add dielectric grease to the all contacts, and to the remaining sides of the push button.
10. Reassemble switch (carefully!! don't break the locking tabs). Reinstall in cluster. Then reassemble the rest in reverse order.

Good Luck.
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