Defrost switch rebuild instructions?

[sdg3205]

I heard there were instructions floating around somewhere?

Clearly the way I'm trying to put it back together isn't working.

Thanks folks!

[NightFlyer]

I struggled with this one myself - ended up breaking the spring clip and had to source a whole new switch.

Anyway, here's hoping that you have better luck than I did :thumbup:

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?287-How-To-Repair-Defrost-Switch

http://lukesandel.com/auto/delorean/infosheets/DefrosterSwitch.pdf

[sdg3205]

Thanks josh!

[NightFlyer]

Hmmm... I just noticed that both the links in the first link I gave you are dead :(

I looked for others, but couldn't find any.

Oh well - at least the link from Luke S's awesome website is still working :)

[Jonathan]

I had a link saved from a forum in France, but it looks like it requires you to log in now (not sure as the welcome page is in French). I think this is one of the links that Josh alluded to.

I had this saved from that webpage anyway. I copy pasted the instructions into Word.doc and saved as a PDF to upload here. I don't own the rights to it nor take credit, just happen to have it on my harddrive.

It's a good write-up with photos. I used some Internet translator for the French/English. I still couldn't get mine back together as I didn't have the patience for it. Good luck!

[sdg3205]

I have never once used the defrost function. Has anyone actually used this? I've never seen the window even fog up, let alone get frosty. Then again this is the pacific north west and the car rarely sees daylight in the off season.

[sdg3205]

Jonathan - or should I say assistant to the traveling secretary...

We can rebuild it, but we'll have to send away for some super tiny instruments.

Yeah, we have a deal with defrost switches.

[vps3922]

I have never once used the defrost function. Has anyone actually used this? I've never seen the window even fog up, let alone get frosty. Then again this is the pacific north west and the car rarely sees daylight in the off season.

I recently had my switch fall apart when pulling it to pull the center console. I had to check out how it actually works and fits together. I might be able to assist you with it next time I come around, Dave.

[sdg3205]

That would be great. You rebuilt it successfully?

[Jonathan]

Jonathan - or should I say assistant to the traveling secretary...

We can rebuild it, but we'll have to send away for some super tiny instruments.

Yeah, we have a deal with defrost switches.


That would be great. You rebuilt it successfully?

My rebuild attempt went something along the lines of Cousin Eddie and Clark Griswold fumbling with the Christmas candle spinning decoration thingy... (at about 1:15 or so)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKncYRJQRC8

I've never used it either. Not to defrost the window anyway. My little light on the dash goes on when I bump it with my arm. That's plenty for me.

[vps3922]

That would be great. You rebuilt it successfully?

Well, it wasn't broken in the first place (so I hope as I also never tested it) and it seems to work again. The only function it has for me (and probably for you) is to turn the light on in the AC control fascia. :elmo1:

[sdg3205]

Yup, as long as it looks like it works.

[FABombjoy]

I have never once used the defrost function. Has anyone actually used this?
I never did until I installed the heated wide-angle convex lenses. The heater wires in the doors are energized whenever the key is on, so I did the relay-connected-to-the-defroster mod so they are only on when I want them to be.

One thing that is missing in both sets of instructions - clean the switch contacts while apart.

I'm not sure what the contact plating is, but a round or two of brass polish followed up with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab should do the trick.

Or the quick and dirty way is to pinch a business card between the contacts and pull the card out. Do that a few times per set of contacts.

[NightFlyer]

I used some Internet translator for the French/English.

But all you Canadians speak French?!?!?! :p

[NightFlyer]

I used mine once to actually defrost the rear window 11 years ago when I was on vacation with the car in the Black Hills (which can get some pretty funky weather sometimes). Worked well. Other than that, pretty much the same as everyone else :)

[SpudMurphy]

an old thread I know. The .pdf file early is very helpful. Is it possible to buy the brass components inside the switch?

[PJ Grady Inc.]

an old thread I know. The .pdf file early is very helpful. Is it possible to buy the brass components inside the switch?

I don't think so but I know how to reassemble what's there if it is there.

[SpudMurphy]

I don't think so but I know how to reassemble what's there if it is there.

Thanks for the reply. From the images on the pdf file - mine is missing the pin - It's a very "agricultural switch" and I'll strip it down - but all I can see at the moment is two brass components inside. All the costs are building up and was just looking to save almost £40 - which would go a long way to getting a wheel refurbed :-).

Whilst on the wheel topic (and I apologise for taking this OT), my car - one of the 50 exported to the UAE in 1982 - I believed it used early grey wheels - is the paint code available for the Wheel Restorers to get a good match? Cheers Spud