Switch question

[stephan]

Hello,

I have a special question. Maybe someone of you know the answer.

The switch for the side lamp of my 1991 Esprit SE must be change. Does anybody know if the head lamp switch is the same as the side lamp switch. From the outside both look equal. But there are two little different numbers engraved (3174 5M and 3172 7B). Are these only production numbers or typ numbers.

Thanks

Stephan

www.lotus-esprit-se.de

[cjtpb13]

Via the electrical schematics they are the same. The parking light switch is no longer available and I had to have a headlight switch sent over from the UK to replace my parking light switch as suggested by Stratton Mptors. I replaced both and already the headlight switch has failed after 600 miles of use.

I have had to modify my original switches because of an internal failure with a bit of a design flaw. Can be seen when you look at the switch electrical connectors. One blade is slightly off. And as it heats up over time ( I always run with my headlamps on at all times ) it gets worse and the contact fails internally. Normally I am correcting issue every 5-6K miles.

[stephan]

Christopher,

Thank you for your reply. This helps.

I bought 2 headlight switches because I didn't found the parking light switch. Since weeks I have problems with a blown fuse of the right parking light. Not every time when I use one of the 2 switches. But more and more in the past. You can not say when the next time the fuse will blow. Sometimes it happens after the light is on for minutes, next time directly after switch on, then nothing happens and it works for weeks. 2 years ago I had the same problem. I found out that the parking light switch was damaged. When I opened the body I saw that some of the white plastic parts inside were brown. Apparently the switch had become too warm. Normaly I drive with parking lights on. Maybe this is the reason for the overheating ...

Stephan

www.lotus-esprit-se.de

[cjtpb13]

Stephan,

I too found that happening to my switches. It was more of a design flaw than anything. I have yet to have any issues with a fuse blowing. Rather I just get no lights. I have found that I need to modify the switch to beef up the contacts. They are too weak which leads to the browning as things heat up in the switch whilst the lights are on. Normally when I am driving it is for hours at a time. Rather disappointing to have the new switch burn out so quickly. I was expecting the standard 5-6K miles.

If I am to understand correctly the US Federal cars were slightly wired different in their operation of lighting. Though mine seem to work like the ones in the UK models.

When I return home in a few weeks I will revisit this thread with a few pictures of the dismantled switch and where and how I resolved the issue.

[stephan]

"When I return home in a few weeks I will revisit this thread with a few pictures of the dismantled switch and where and how I resolved the issue."

Christopher,

This would be marvelous. Thank you.

Stephan

www.lotus-esprit-se.de

[Tocus]

Hi Guys.

 

does anybody know from witch car this switch came off? (the X-part)

Thanks allready i am looking for a switch,

[Barrykearley]

Had mine in the local garage to use the ramps last week.

Mate was certain the switches were all the same as in the Austin metro - worth a look

[Sparky]

Yup - Leyland stuff from the '80s - Metro/Maestro/Montego etc.

[Kirk Adamson]

yep leyland stuff good luck trying to find it . iam trying to find a drivers side window swith for my x180 189 turbo. supposed to be leyland austin etc . cant find one in the uk .. they must rot like leyland cars did .

[Chillidoggy]

Lucas?

[eeyoreish]

yep leyland stuff good luck trying to find it . iam trying to find a drivers side window swith for my x180 189 turbo. supposed to be leyland austin etc . cant find one in the uk .. they must rot like leyland cars did .

 

It's worth opening the window switches up if there's a problem as they are effectively mechanical so it's possible to 'tinker' with them a bit.

 

My electric fuel flap release switch (the same as the window lift switch) stopped working on one side and I was able to fix it by 'adjusting' (bending) one of the spring loaded connectors slightly for a better contact.

[swindon_alan]

Gents

I've been looking into the dash switches for '87 on Esprit/Esprit Turbos/S4 etc. - up to '97 - as the fact my V8 has a US symbol for the headlight switch (the "lightbulb") - rather then the European one ("the dipped headlamp") - annoys me. I guess I'm just that sort of guy It has led me onto "doing my thing" and researching the part.

I've had a good dig around and found a couple of threads that suggest cross references. But they are wrong. Definitely. The one above says that they are used in the Metro/Montego/Maestro range but that is not right. Austin switches:

These are nothing like the Esprit switches, from earlier in this thread:

Esprit switch faces are rectangular and have male spades. Austin switches are square faced and have bullet connectors.

I found a reference to Peugeot 504/505 switches (this seemed feasible as Peugeot items were used in facelift 1998 on models):

But trawling Google images for dashboards they don't look correct either.

I've spent hours on this trying US, European and overseas cars to find a source. No luck at all.

Can anybody assist? I'm all ready to rip my binnacle off and look for switch markings as I'm getting very frustrated!

 

[Qavion]

Do you have a fog switch? Maybe this is interchangeable? How often do you use the fog switch?

Looking at the S4 wiring diagrams, the sidelight and the headlight switch look the same electrically (internally and pin-out). Unfortunately, I can't find a diagram for the fog light.

Are the caps removable?

[swindon_alan]

Thanks Ian.

Yes, the caps are removable and interchangeable.

It's the bigger question around what they are off that's bugging me, as they do burn out and I would like to know where to source spares.

[Chillidoggy]

When did these switches first appear in the Esprit? Might just help in narrowing the search time-wise. Also, despite me thinking like they look suspiciously like Lucas bits, could they be GM?

[swindon_alan]

Esprit Turbo time under GM Ian. I have Google Imaged nearly every US and UK dashboard and switch, along with eBay worldwide and can't find anything. Tried all the usual French, German and Italian suspects as well. Woke up this morning with a start thinking they might be Rover SD1 but no.

Has anybody got one out of a car or on a shelf they could have a look at for markings or idents for me to save me taking mine apart? 

[Chillidoggy]

I think I might have an old headlamp switch I could have a look at later this evening.

I had a Rover SD1, not it's definitely not from that car.

[jimblob]

SJ sells a replacement switch you just have to remove the legend from your old switch and refit to the new one as the old legend switches are not available anymore, used in lots of old cars here's a link to an ebay add for the heated rear window switch marked for a metro http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Heated-Rear-Window-Switch-for-Austin-METRO-Classic-Car-Part-219911-/181819213949 . I did a repair to my legend because it was worn link to that here 

 

[Chillidoggy]

Just had a look at my old switch.

It's got TRW stamped on it. The code  is 3172 5F on the side. Off you go, Alan!

[swindon_alan]

28 minutes ago, jimblob said:

SJ sells a replacement switch you just have to remove the legend from your old switch and refit to the new one as the old legend switches are not available anymore, used in lots of old cars here's a link to an ebay add for the heated rear window switch marked for a metro http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Heated-Rear-Window-Switch-for-Austin-METRO-Classic-Car-Part-219911-/181819213949 . I did a repair to my legend because it was worn link to that here 

 

Fantastic Jimi! While I still don't think that it is suitable for a Metro (I haven't found any dash pictures with rectangular - rather than square buttons), but will have another look, the reference has hit the jackpot and given me a lead. It's sold by a Reliant spares specialist and is suitable for the Scimitar SS1/SST/Sabre. And lordy lordy, here we are:

As regards swopping the legends over, that's not really what I was originally aiming at. I have the US light bulb headlamp legend and want the European dipped headlamp version. However, if I can nail down the source I should be able to find one. Alternatively I will take your very good example and butcher another illuminated switch

13 minutes ago, ian29gte said:

Just had a look at my old switch.

It's got TRW stamped on it. The code  is 3172 5F on the side. Off you go, Alan!

Even better! Yay! TRW!

THANK YOU IAN

Off on the trail...

[Kim.com]

Allan, found 3 NOS switches here:

http://ajlelectronics.co.uk/epages/832315.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/832315/Categories/Classic_Microcars/Reliant_genuine

 

[sailorbob]

On 09 March 2016 at 16:53, ian29gte said:

Just had a look at my old switch.

It's got TRW stamped on it. The code  is 3172 5F on the side. Off you go, Alan!

I've got a hazard switch made by Torrix with the code 2804 0M on the side. Presumably TRW bought Torrix at some point?

[swindon_alan]

Have found a contact in TRW Burnley who might be able to help. Emailed him but he's on jollydays until 4th April. Fingers crossed!

[Kirk Adamson]

did anybody ever find a source for the window switches . foir the 1989 turbo x180 shape none se . i understand they were leyland  part no YUF10061LNF  . rimmer bros seem to have them but £30 a pop .!  anybody know of any other sources . cheers

[swindon_alan]

More to come on these switches, I've picked it up again with TRW and asked the question on the Scimitar forum. In the meantime for anyone who passes by because of the Austin Rover reference, here's the Leyland type switch part numbers that TRW supplied to me.

NOTES

"The bottom switch is from our switch range - 325SA. This was manufactured at another TRW site initially but here is a list of part numbers that I obtained around 2001.

LM10 is Maestro and LM11 Montego. Other types went on the early Land Rover Discovery.

Customer Jet Press supplied to LDV for their Pilot van. 674701 is one of these as you can see below and it looks similar to your photo. (see drawing)

 These switches are no longer in manufacture and the tooling has been scrapped. They are not very complicated switches so should be repairable if they are just not working. Try unclipping the switch and cleaning the terminals etc."

325SA	0126800A	REAR WIPE SW ASSY (PRC 8498)	L/R Caterpillar	PRC8498
325SA	0136300A	PUSH/PUSH SW ASSY HAZARD WARNING (MAH 1611)	Jet Press	SWT003-BLK
325SA	0136400A	PUSH/PUSH SW ASSY REAR FOG (MAH1617)	Jet Press	SWT004-BLK
325SA	0136500A	PUSH/PUSH SW ASSY DUAL LEV ILLUM (MAH 1743)	Jet Press	SWT005-BLK
325SA	0213000A	SWITCH ASSY HEATED FRONT SCREEN	L/R Caterpillar	AMR1051
325SA	5026800A	BEACON ON/OFF	MG Caterpillar	YUG101350
325SA	5026900A	HIGH/LOW INTENSITY SWITCH ASSY	MG Caterpillar	YUG101360
325SA	51790A0I	HAZARD SW ASSY (EER 1051)	Jet Press	SWT008-BLK
325SA	51797A0B	REAR FOG MOMENTARY 97 MY DISCOVERY	Unipart	AMR5178
325SA	52410A0A	VOLUME DOWN NON LATCHING 94 MY DISC	Unipart	AMR6463
325SA	52411A0A	VOLUME UP NON LATCHING 94 MY DISCOV	Unipart	AMR6462
325SA	52412A0A	RADIO STATION SEEK NON LATCHING	Unipart	AMR6464
325SA	52413A0	RADIO BAND SELECT NON LATCHING	Unipart	AMR6465
325SA	6707001A	HEATED REAR SCREEN LM10
325SA	6708001A	REAR FOG LAMP LM10
325SA	6708101A	REAR FOG LAMP
325SA	6713001A	HEATED REAR WINDOW LM11	L/R Caterpillar	AFU2719L
325SA	6714001A	REAR FOG LAMP LM11	L/R Caterpillar	AFU2720L
325SA	6714001A	SWITCH FOG-REAR	Unipart-Rover	AFU2720
325SA	6715001A	REAR SCREEN WIPE LM11
325SA	6716001A	REAR SCREEN WASH LM11
325SA	6719001A	HAZARD WARNING BLACK (MAH 1135)	Jet Press	67190-01
325SA	6719501A	HAZARD WARNING GREY (MAH 1428)	Jet Press	SWT016-BLK
325SA	6720001A	REAR FOG LAMP BLACK (MAH 1134)	Jet Press	67200-01
325SA	6723001A	HEATED REAR SCREEN METRO	MG Caterpillar	AFU4175
325SA	6727001A	FRONT FOG LAMP	MG Caterpillar	GAE295A
325SA	6728001A	HAZARD WARNING	Unipart London Taxis	6728001A
325SA	6728001A	HAZARD WARNING	L/R Caterpillar	AFU4209L
325SA	6729001A	INTERIOR LIGHT	L/R Caterpillar	AFU4207L
325SA	6729001A	INTERIOR LIGHT	Jet Press	AFU4207L
325SA	6730001A	AUX.DRIVING LAMP	L/R Caterpillar	AFU4208L
325SA	6732001A	PUSH PUSH SW COUPLING LIGHT (MAH1251 Y02)	Jet Press	67320-01
325SA	6735001A	REAR FOG LAMP T45 (MAH1252)	Jet Press	MAH1252
325SA	6736001A	HAZARD WARNING T45 (MAH 1252 Y02)	Jet Press	67360-01
325SA	6747001A	REAR FOG LAMP (ASU 1622)	Jet Press	67470-01(SuppliedtoJetPressasEER1765)
325SA	6748001A	INTERIOR LIGHT (ASU 1623)	Jet Press	67480-01
325SA	6761001A	BLANK SWITCH T45 (RDH1660)	Jet Press	67610-01
325SA	6761201A	PUSH PUSH SW DIESEL PRE HEAT (MAH1252 Y06)	Jet Press	67612-01
325SA	6763001A	FRONT FOG F/R	Jet Press	67630-01
325SA	6774001A	INTERIOR LIGHT	L/R Caterpillar	ATU1020L
325SA	6775001A	AUX-LAMPS	L/R Caterpillar	ATU1027L
325SA	6776001A	CRUISE CONTROL	L/R Caterpillar	ATU1023L
325SA	6777001A	HEATED REAR SCREEN (330082/01)	L/R Caterpillar	ATU1021L
325SA	6778001A	REAR FOG LIGHT	L/R Caterpillar	ATU1022L
325SA	6780001A	HEATED REAR SCREEN LM11	Jet Press	6780001A
325SA	6790001A	HEATED REAR SCREEN SW. LM10/11	MG Caterpillar	AFU3268
325SA	6790001A	HEATED REAR SCREEN LM11	Unipart-Rover	AFU3268
325SA	6797001A	REAR FOG LAMP LM10/11	MG Caterpillar	AFU3205
325SA	6798001A	HEATED REAR SCREEN LM10/1	MG Caterpillar	AFU3204
325SA	6800001A	REAR SCREEN WIPE LM10/11	Unipart-Rover	AFU3206
325SA	6801001A	BEACON ON/OFF LM10/11
325SA	6857001A	BEACON SWITCH (ASU1804)	Jet Press	68570-01
325SA	6908001A	INTERIOR LIGHT	Unipart - London Taxis	JHM1791
325SA	6908001A	INTERIOR LIGHT	MG Caterpillar	JHM1791
325SA	6936201A	PUSH PUSH SW HEATED REAR SCREEN (MAH1252 Y04)	Jet Press	69362-01
325SA	6936401A	PUSH PUSH SW INTERIOR LAMP (MAH1252 Y05)	Jet Press	69364-01
325SA	6939501A	AIR SUSPENSION CONTROL	Jet Press	69395-01
325SA	6950001A	HEATED REAR WINDOW JAY	L/R Caterpillar	PRC8395
325SA	6950501A	REAR FOG LAMP JAY	L/R Caterpillar	PRC8392
325SA	6951001A	REAR WASH JAY	L/R Caterpillar	PRC8393
325SA	6951501A	REAR WIPE JAY	L/R Caterpillar	PRC8394
325SA	6952501A	HEATED REAR SCREEN LM11	L/R Caterpillar	EEP118L
325SA	6953501A	REAR SCREEN WIPE LM11	L/R Caterpillar	EEP119L
325SA	6954001A	REAR SCREEN WASH LM11	L/R Caterpillar	EEP120L
325SA	6958501A	VOLUME DOWN JAY	L/R Caterpillar	PRC8389
325SA	6959501A	WAVE BAND SELECT JAY	L/R Caterpillar	PRC8390
325SA	6960001A	HEATED FRONT SCREEN	L/R Caterpillar	PRC6797