Hazard switch

Mauler

Mauler

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I suppose the thumbtack is not OEM,
IMG_2793.jpg


But it does prevent the switch from popping out and coming on.

Can that switch be taken apart, or is it best to just get a new one?
 
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Depending on the damage inside they can be taken aprt and the little hook mechanisms repaired/bent back into position. This switch is available if not.
 
A contributor to this list, Arde, came up with a modification that I thought was clever. See his post #16 in the thread at: http://www.e9coupe.com/forum/threads/re-emergency-flasher-switch.14525/#post-118133 I implemented his suggestion and it works great.

I suggest this to you because if you repair your old switch, it will probably be more prone to having the button pop out at random than would a new switch. With Arde's mod, that isn't a problem: the "popped out" position is the normal mode, while the "pushed in" mode is only used while you are operating the 4-way flashers.
 
I have not been successful in bending the tabs as a long-term solution. I am interested in Arde's rewiring solution, though. This should have been the design from the start... failing "On" is dumb. I have several broken ones in the stash, I'll give Arde's solution a whirl. Thanks for reposting it !

Ed
 
An old school mechanic friend of mine suggested exactly that solution for mine until I was able to repair it. The repair was tedious, but not difficult.
 
just happen to be doing one now
s.jpg

its important to add some vasaline or other lube to the threads
and they have a tendency to lock up if dry and a real problem to get loose.
the upper contacts still didnt quite touch -so
i added a thin film of solder to the top of the contacts
which really made a big difference so you dont have to bend the three
prongs at the top.
 
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zinz said:
I have not been successful in bending the tabs as a long-term solution. I am interested in Arde's rewiring solution, though. I have several broken ones in the stash, I'll give Arde's solution a whirl.
Click to expand...

You need a functioning switch to "give Arde's solution a whirl".

If your switch is stuck in the "hazard" position there is a better solution than the thumbtack fix. You can disconnect the socket from the switch and install a simple jumper made from a short length of wire with two male 1/4" faston connectors to bridge between terminals #49 and 30 on the socket. That will send power to the flasher so you still have turn signals. But with the socket off the hazard switch, the emergency flashers will be disabled.

This pertains to 6 terminal flasher switches. Dunno much about the later 8 (or was it 9?) terminal switches.

This should have been the design from the start... failing "On" is dumb.
Click to expand...

Yes, it was dumb. Probably sold a lot of hazard switches (and batteries) for BMW dealerships though.
 
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