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MG MGB Technical - Turn Switch working but not holding

I was diving my MGB yesterday and when I was making a turn the indicator switch was shifting hard, then it would not hold in the turning position. The turn signals work if I hold the switch up or down depending on the turn, however it will not hold in the turn position.

Is there something that has popped out of position, can it be fixed, or do I need to buy a new switch?


Kevin
Kevin

Kevin. New switch time. These things last about three years each, then some part of the multi-system breaks. This is an example of poor design rather than the quality of the currently available switches. Actually the last two switches I put in to my RB cars have lasted longer than any of the factory switchs. Les
Les Bengtson

Three years !!? In that case I am nine years overdue on one car and 25 on the other!
Paul Hunt

Now I know why no one uses turn signals here in Pensacola....evidently they all used to own MG's and are still in the habit of conserving their turn signal switches.
R. L Carleen

If you're going to replace the switch anyway, then you have nothing to lose from taking the old one apart. I was very successful fixing my wiper switch, which must be of similar construction.

The whole wiper switch was about 7 parts altogether. Just take it apart carefully and take notes so you can get it back together. The switch is held in position by a ball and spring which ride into a detent. One or the other may have fallen out of place, or the spring has given up the ghost.

When I put mine back together, I applied a little grease to the moving parts and the ball and spring areas. It was dry when it came apart, and I figured that would help it last a little longer. When I put it back together, it worked better than it ever had.

I saved myself $97.00 by fixing my wiper switch. I used that to justify buying something else, though I can't remember what it was now.
Matt Kulka

I looked at the internals of the switch and it looks like its time for a new one. I took Matt's idea, however it looks like a few parts have gone missing. I will try to play around with I when the replacement comes.

I did order a switch today after some looking around.
The price for the switch ranged from $53 up to $101.

The local shop wanted $101, so I went to the web. I found a place www.britishtoolbox.com that had it for $53 along with some other parts that were priced just right, shipping was reasonable also.
Kevin

Paul. It may be a heat thing. Brit made rubber and plastic items so not seem to hold up well here in Arizona. My gunson's spark tester became a deformed lump of plastic and metal when left in my tool box in the trunk. My Gunson's CO meter had the upright portion fall off the second time it was used. I consider three years to the average life expectancy for RB turn signal switches. Might last longer under UK type conditions of much lower heat and much higher humidity. However, I would rather install a new switch every three years than have functional turn signals on a bunch of rust. Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed between 08/07/2003 and 09/07/2003

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