Turn Signal Swich Anatomy . . . Why is mine sticking?

[dc112675]

As the Subject line indicates, I have a turn signal switch that is sticking.  It seems like temperature affects its ability to pop back out.  Side to side movement is a little sluggish, but the in/out movement is the most noticeable.  It seems like on cold days it is worse.  So much so that when I push it in to cancel the signal, it sticks in and I have to pull it out or allow it to slowly work its way out.  In addition, it doesn't always cancel like it is supposed to.  

I have thought about spraying some Water Displacement formula #40 (aka- WD-40) in it, but I don't know what that will do.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I think I read here somewhere that there is a tiny spring inside the housing that can be easily lost if the case is opened.  Anyway, thanks for your help.  dc

[roboto65]

I use CorrosionX on all my electrical parts don,t even have to take it apart just spray on and wipe off and work the switch my 3rd gen does it every so often !!!! Mostly when the temps drop..

[DC Smith]

I wouldn't used WD-40.  That doesn't really clean out the gunk.  I have some QD Electronic Cleaner by CRC that is made for cleaning electronic equipment.  I have had great luck with it.   I think I got it at Radio Shack.  If that doesn't work you may have to take it apart.

[Curtis_Valk]

Allen and DC are steering you right.  Stay away from WD-40 for electrical stuff, there are better choices.  I used some contact cleaner spray with greasless lubricant that I bought at Radio Shack and it seems to be doing the trick.  The CorrosionX or CRC they mentioned will probably fix you right up as well.

Curtis

[lragan]

Mine was sticking, too -- but I was just living with it, until I started getting an intermittent in the headlight operation, which I traced to the dimmer switch.  The turn signal, dimmer, and horn switch are sold by Honda as a single assembly, so I swallowed hard, forked over $122.56 (plus TT&L = 132.67) for a new assembly.  

In the process of installation, I took the old one off, and saw the problem with the turn signal switch mechanism.  The parts that position the switch, and cause it to release by pushing on it, are made of plastic (Delrin, or the Asian equivalent, by my guess) and are lubricated with a clear grease, since turned yellow and stiff with age.  

So ... my hypothesis is that if you will take the beast off the handle bar (two Phillips head screws), clean the grease off of the plastic parts, and relubricate with a grease that is harmless to plastic, it will work like brand new.

I HAVE NOT DONE THIS.  I still have the old assembly (egad, my wife is right -- I never throw away motorcycle parts), and will try it if you would like me to.

[TLRam1]

That is what I did with all my control switches is regrease. Works like it should.

[Len Averyt]

The easiest place to get electronic and plastic frindly lubricant is at Autozone. you can pick up one of those little single pack lubes that they sell at the register for bulbs. Its the perfect silicon grade grease. And its about a $1.
Use it in switchs, bulbs and even in connectors to lubricate and seal out moisture.

I also firmly believe in the spark plug silicone lube, which is basicly the same stuff.