combi switch repair

[Marc Swanson]

Symptom:  Both of the headlights on my 88 90q went out at the same time.

Diagnosis:  Failed switch

I didn't want to fork out $100 for a new switch and even though I could get a 
used one for less I wanted to find out what made mine fail.  The switch was 
never really meant to be taken apart... it has four rivets that secure a 
galvanized faceplate to the rest of the switch.  I drilled out the heads of 
the rivets and removed the faceplate to find the fault.  The contact on the 
body of the switch that controls the headlights had worn away to the point 
where the "brush" on the switch could not make contact.  The fix was easy.  
All I had to do was build up a little bit of solder onto the contacts and 
VOILA, working headlights :-)

I had to go to the hardware store to pick up some skinny but long bolts that 
could replace the drilled out rivets but that was no big deal.  there is a 
good amount of space in front of the switch allowing the use of the bolts.  


I took some pics of the assembly while I had it apart:

http://www.mswanson.com/phpix/?mode=album&album=combi-switch&dispsize=640&start=0

Hopefully this will help others out there to attempt to repair it before 
replacing the whole switch.


-Marc-
87 4ktq
88 90q