Hazard Switch

[Macbags]

A pretty minor one but I nearly failed my MOT because the tester couldn’t turn off the hazards.....after a bit of a discussion he agreed that a piece of cardboard squeezed in around the edge would hold it in the off position.....he did however put it down as an advisory and may not be as accommodating next time.

Anyone had a similar problem, the leven switches aren’t available anymore an I ally don’t want to spoil the dash by fitting something different.

Can the switches be repaired? Is it a relay issue? Or do I stick with the cardboard and just find a more accommodating test centre?

[QBee]

01206 820044 Python Racing TVR

Call and ask Jodie if he can repair it

[phillpot]

Macbags said:

the leven switches aren’t available anymore an I really don’t want to spoil the dash by fitting something different.

Isn't the 'Leven' bit just a cover, not the complete switch?


This any good? ... clicky Although I'm guessing yours is plain black, or alluminium if you have the Leven bits?

[Riff Raff]

Dunno if this will fit...

https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/natural-billet-alumi...

[Steve_D]

What year is it?
Early cars had a proper hazard switch (with terminals on the back) later cars have a switch connected to a control module via a ribbon cable.

Steve

[Macbags]

Thanks all. It’s a 2000 car with the aluminium leven bits. I suspect it’s dash off (grazed skin from protruding screws and all) and see whether it’s as simple as a standard switch with the leven bits snapped on ?

[Macbags]

Or new control module

[QBee]

If it looks like the one in this photo, to the right of the gramophone, it is standard TVR fitment on later cars, not Leven.
Yes, I know that's the rear fog light switch, but they look the same and I didn't see the need to take another photo.

[indigochim]

I would imagine if you take the switch out and give it a good clean it will probably sort your issue. I had an issue with a couple of switches and a good clean has them working as new.

[Riff Raff]

TVR Parts are listing the switch (switch only, not the control module it looks like) for a whopping £180 odd quid, VAT and carriage included. There is a surcharge of £60, which you presumably get back if your old unit is repairable.

[QBee]

Could a quick squirt of silicone spray on the front edges of the switch do any damage, or might it actually solve the sticking?

[Riff Raff]

QBee said:

Could a quick squirt of silicone spray on the front edges of the switch do any damage, or might it actually solve the sticking?

I'd have thought that contact cleaner would be better as it flashes off, unlike silicone spray which leaves a residue that can be a pita to clean off.

If it were me, I'd take the switch out before cleaning. With the radio and DIN cage removed you should have plenty of access to both the switch and the module, which on mine is just behind the radio on a velcro pad ISTR.

[SILICONEKID 357HP]

Pull the cables down and first a toggle switch under the steering column .

[Relayer]

Another vote for Jodie at Python. He fixed mine 18 months ago.....cost about £15 I seem to remember

[QBee]

Riff Raff said:

I'd have thought that contact cleaner would be better as it flashes off.......

Good point - I have often wondered why I bought a can of the stuff, now I know why.

[Macbags]

Hi all

Lower dash removed to get access to the switch, switch removed and given a good squirt of contact cleaner.....no change.

The switch works but has lost its ability to hold itself in the off position, I presume this is a mechanical function within the switch but there’s no obvious way of getting into the switch. I’ll give Jodie at python a call tomorrow.

[Steve_D]

I would give it more of a workout whilst drenched in contact cleaner. Also tapping it on the bench whilst turning it about so your tapping applies load from different directions. As you say most likely just a sticky latch rather than something broken.

Steve

[Dalamar]

Have a look at RS Components. Around £8.50 delivered for a new one. Just check the part number on your switch barrel to be sure.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/push-button-switche...

[Macbags]

Not much luck I’m afraid,.....taken the switch out drenched it in contact cleaner gave it a few taps etc and no change.

For the life of me I don’t know how to open the ali switch body and suspect will need to remove the solder from four prongs that protrude out of the back but nervous as replacements from TVR parts are c£180 !!!

I think I’m resigned to a piece of card wedged into the switch to keep it in the off position and then plead with the tester when it next goes in for an mot.

Thanks for all your suggestions

C

[Riff Raff]

I take it you had no luck with Python?

As far as TVR Parts and their prices go, remember there's £60 returnable when you send them your switch back. Plus, you'll get 7.5% off if you are a TVRCC member. I'm not saying the price they are asking isn't OTT, but you might not get a sympathetic MOT tester next year and you might have to bite the bullet anyway.

The discount on the stuff I buy from TVR Parts pays my annual sub a few times over I'd have thought.