Hi everyone, when removing the switch in the fall (cleaning up from the green convertible shower) I accidentally broke the plastic clip that holds it in place. Would anyone have a supplier that they could recommend to get a replacement, or some handy information on how to firmly hold it in place. Thanks in advance.

 

I can't picture the situation, but could you use a plastic welder to reposition or support whatever broke? A plastic welder is a $15 item from harbor freight. At a high level its like a soldering iron with a small triangular face. It can melt 2 pieces together and or melt a plastic splint across them to secure them.

FWIW I once couldn't rely on the plastic to secure something that I'd be opening once in a while. Bought half dozen very high power small magnets from Amazon. Used the iron to create a flush nest for the magnet, melted molded it in place. Other side, your choice. Another magnet or piece of steel.

One warning: Heat will demagnatize the magnet with direct contact! Plan your attack around that inconvenient point.

Just another approach.

John

 

Thanks John. I was thinking something similar. I have to take it apart again to see what I have to work with.


Clips are very small to work with. Picture from a vendors site. They are asking $75 for a used switch.

 

Remember the butyl rope that used to be used for windshields. A small chunk properly applied will work ln many cases for things like this and is removable.

 

Great idea Terrific. I will look into that. Thanks for the advice.

 

Hello. I have a 2001 XK-R Convertible with a Sport Mode switch that has become dislodged from the cowling. It still works but I'm not sure if the switch is actually broken (plastic lugs?) or just come lose. What I don't know is how to disassemble this area to get at it without breaking or snapping some piece of plastic. I have no idea what the structure looks like underneath.
I am in London, Ontario and would love to have a chat with anyone who could give me some advice in fixing this.
Dave

 

HiDave. Take a look at the sticky section under How to Videos. Look at the one How to remove the center console. You have to remove the section around the transmission J-Gate, and then you can see under Meath at the clip that holds the switch in place.

 

Thanks mate That helped me sort the issue and also explained why this switch was the way it was. A previous owner had been in there resulting in (1) two broken catches on the J-Gate bezel, (2) the switch being inserted upside down (1st photo) and (3), the lower catch on the switch was broken, probably from trying to put it in the wrong way. The ends are not symmetrical. His fix was to crudely tape the Sport switch to the Cruise Control one.
I will need to source a new bezel and a new switch. In the meantime, I cleaned things up, put the switch in the correct orientation and carefully but strongly taped it to its mate, the cruise control switch. Pure "bush mechanic" solution but it should hold for a while until I get the parts.