1970 240Z Console Defroster Switch

[ddezso]

The switch in my center console near the choke knob (switch pictured) is toast. I can't even get it to move. 2 questions:

1) Can these be repaired and if so how would one repair it? Can I soak it in something to get all the gunk out or take it apart or both?

2) I'd prefer to replace it. I've never seen one of these on EBay. Anyone got a working switch to donate or sell?

BTW - I'm also looking for the plug that fills the hole next to the defroster switch in the choke plate. Anyone got one of those for donation or sale?

Thanks.......

[bpilati]

Interesting, mine is lighted. I used the parts from a 73 switch to fix mine.

[Arne]

As for the switch, if it were mine I'd disassemble it myself and clean it that way. But lots of people aren't comfortable doing that. (The switch for the 70 and early 71 cars was not lighted, later ones were.)

The plug next to it is listed as available in MSA's catalog. About $3.50 or so, IIRC.

[bpilati]

Excuse me, but mine is lighted. It came in my car that way.

[EScanlon]

The switch your picture shows is the EARLY one. Not too long after your car was built (presuming the switch IS the original) they changed to the AMBER light up switch. As a result the construction (part below the console) and connections changed.

I'm not sure if you'll be able to find a working switch easily or cheaply, but I may be totally off base here.

Have you tried opening the switch? Due to it's placement in the center of the console, and people's tendency to use that part of the console as a drink holder (without the receiving cup) it wouldn't be unusual to have had somethhing spilled into it that eventually dried up and "gunked" it all up.

Disassembly is straight forward, simply insert a flat blade screwdriver along the side of the switch rocker and push out the sides of the casing, allowing you to slide the pin of the rocker out from the casing. Do this on both sides and it should slide out. Inside the switch you should find a spring as well as a rectangular brass plate with wings. The spring causes that plate to slap up and down off the contacts below. Clean it all out, replace the wire connections to it and it should be as good as new.

If you don't wish to do this, then if you're willing, I'll see if I can find the square hole filler you need and I'll swap it with you. By the way that hole filler you need is where the side marker light switches were installed on JDM cars.

2¢

Enrique

[Arne]

Excuse me, but mine is lighted. It came in my car that way.

Yours must be a late '71 then, without the hatch vents. My car also has the original one, which is the same as the one pictured above.

[ddezso]

OK I'm slow. I know who VB is but who is MSA? I googled MSA and nothing came up so I think I need the long name. ..

[Arne]

MSA = Motorsport Auto = http://www.zcarparts.com

[ddezso]

Well - I tried to gently pry it open and it just cracks the plastic.

Anyone got a replacement?

Arne - I've been searching the MSA site and cant find that plug. Any idea on the part #?

[Arne]

Arne - I've been searching the MSA site and cant find that plug. Any idea on the part #?

Not here at work. It's in the printed catalog at home, probably not listed online.

[ddezso]

Thanks - I've ordered the catalog. If ANYONE has a switch to spare I'm still looking though.

[kenz240z]

Have you tried spraying a little contact cleaner on it? If you spray it a bit at a time around the perimeter of the switch it should seep down inside and hopefully help loosen things up.