Fuel change switch/button on my Jag Series 3 1985, when pressed does not stay in. If I press and hold I can tell that the fuel switches tanks. Any advice?

 

sounds like the plastic locking cam broke off inside the switch. Best to replace the switch.

First step is to order a good used switch from David at www.everydayxj.com

 

Jose has given the response everyone here will give so go by that.

 

Will do. Thanks all.

 

I also found that my plug on my changeover switch was constantly coming loose. So I wrapped a zip tie around my plug and switch - problem gone.

 

Did you photo that so you can share with us?

 

ah one of the first issues encountered and fixed in my jag, brings a tear to my eye,
While you wait on a replacement a little folded piece of paper in the gap on the switch did the trick for me, swapping the switches can be iffy but take your time and you will be fine.

 

Sorry, was away for a couple of days. Here is a pic of the zip ties holding the electrical connections together. As you know, poor electrical connections cause many bad and hard to find problems. Especially if they are intermittent. I made a career in the computer industry back in the day of second generation computers with printed circuit boards with the gold connectors. Pull card, clean connectors; problem go away.

 

Hi all,
As advised, just received a new fuel switch. Can someone guide me how to install?
Thanks.

 

Gently prise the old switch assembly out from its holder. It's only being held in by two pins as you can see from my pic above. Then unplug both of the old plugs. If it were me, I would tab a bit of dielectric grease on the probes in the new switch, then plug the two plugs in. I would also zip tie the assembly like you see in the pic above. Gently push the whole assembly back into the plastic holders. Done. The saying that helps me remember which tank is which (the lit arrows are of no use - too dim) is : "Left-In; Out-right"

 

Your '85 probably has wood veneer and separate holes for each switch. You can pry the switches out through the front but be careful to not chip the wood. If you want to remove the panel and clean all the contacts back there, etc here is a short video:

 

For some reason, the factory workers sometimes installed the switches and spread the spring steel mount retainers 'OUT' so the switch will NOT come out by prying.

I have had to remove the veneer and use long-nose pliers to bend the spring steel 'wings' back in to remove the switches.
Don't know why but I have had to do this DOZENS of times when I worked on the old sedans everyday for a living.

 

Yup, trained myself. left in,. right out!!

 

Thanks everyone. I have replaced the switch successfully.

Couldn't do without your help? Great people and forum.

Thanks.