Series III XJ6/12 and many older XJS

Cleaned some windows switches today. I always try to have a few good ones on hand, ready to swap out. Took a few pics. Might be helpful to someone to see how it's done, considering how often it comes up in conversation. Note that these are original Lucas switches. Aftermarket replacements might be configured differently.

Pic 1
The switch is disassembled by applying pressure to the little pivot pins in the side of the case. I use a small screwdriver as seen. A little force is needed to pry the rocker portion of the switch away from the case. No worries--it's pretty rugged; you won't break it. Reassembly takes a bit of pressure as well, to pry the case open enough for the rocker to drop in. You'll get the hang of it.

Pic 2
These are the spring loaded pegs that actually press against the internal contacts to make/break the circuit. They're greased up so they probably won't fall out. One trick is to disassemble the switch inside a clear plastic bag...which will contain any tiny pieces that fall apart

Pic 3
These are the movable contacts. They fall right out or can be plucked out with needle nose pliers. Note how a couple of them are black with oxidation. Gently clean them with fine sandpaper....just enough to make 'em shiny. You're not trying to remove material here !

Pic 4
These are the fixed contacts, badly corroded. More often they'll simply be black with oxidation. I clean them with a bit of sandpaper held with needle nose pliers. Again, just make 'em bright and shiny. Don't go hog wild.

Pic 5
Cleaned contacts

Pic 6
Dirty, corroded contact pins. Sandpaper 'em till bright

Pic 7
Cleaned contact pins

With a little practice you can get this down to just a few minutes per switch








Cheers
DD

 

Dielectric grease is used over the contacts and friction points. Sold in "ketchup" packs at auto parts stores.

I've also used Petroleum Jelly, aka Vaseline, no issues so far. It does not harden like dielectric grease. It is a lubricant.

 

Great job Doug. We can provide a link to this post for as long as there are old Jaguars on the earth.

I bought a 4oz tube of dielectric grease as I own several old Jaguars.

I use a little wad of steel wool to clean the contacts and use the eraser end of a pencil to wipe it around down in there.

Hoping everyone here on the Forum has a safe and happy holiday. Stay healthy ..... we all need each other.

Jeff

 

Thanks Doug. I actually did the same a few weeks ago and took pix but never posted. Shame on me ☹️

But truth be told, cleaning the contacts did not have as great an effect as I had hoped. So just want to remind readers that in conjunction with the electrical cleanup, the cleaning and lubing of the felts is essential.

Once I cleaned and silicone sprayed the window felts my windows buzz up and down like speedsters!!

Now if I can figure how to get my wipers to stop CRAWLING across my windshield, even when totally wet 😃

Randy

 

Cleaning and lubricating the wiper "wheelboxes" might do the trick

Cheers
DD

 

Doug. that is a lot of work for very little gain in speed if any.

instead. do the 4 relays mod for better speed. Dave dit it. he knows the tricks.

XJ-6 wipers are notoriously lazy since the Series 1 cars.