The switch on the left hand grip, that toggles thru menu,windshield, and grips is working intermittently. If I can get it to windshield, the rocker seams to work, also the grip heater. But mostly won't toggle. Any ideas?
2016 menu switch problem.
- Thread starter Bobnos
- Start date
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mshrout
Active member
it may be a PITA, but try and check the connection on that part. follow the wiring down into the fairing I would guess and disconnect and add a little dilectric grease and reconnect it and then try it.
mcatrophy
Privileged to ride a 2018 FJR1300AS
May be dirt in the switch.
It is probably possible to disassemble the switch, there are screws on its underside.
I have disassembled other switches successfully, but if you do, spread something under it to catch any springs or ball bearings (I don't think anything will fall out).
Click on image for larger view
This is the hand gear-change switch on my 2014, not quite got to the contacts. It does show they aren't sealed.
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It is probably possible to disassemble the switch, there are screws on its underside.
I have disassembled other switches successfully, but if you do, spread something under it to catch any springs or ball bearings (I don't think anything will fall out).
Click on image for larger view
This is the hand gear-change switch on my 2014, not quite got to the contacts. It does show they aren't sealed.
..
RossKean
Well-known member
Probably the best approach.
If the switch isn't particularly well sealed (I haven't had one apart), a spritz with contact cleaner might get you by for a while. Not a substitute for a proper dismantle/clean/lube.
Might I recommend CRC Electrical Contact Cleaner for that?
Try to separate the switch a hair and spray contact cleaner in there. I like ACF-50, it dissolves corrosion and lubricates. Dielectric grease should only be used on the outside of a connection to seal a switch or connection. Using it on contacts will actually inhibit the connection....
"What is dielectric grease? Despite the fact it has "electric" right there in the name, it's a fairly common misconception that dielectric grease is capable of conducting electricity. In actual fact, dielectric grease is an insulator and doesn't conduct electricity"
"What is dielectric grease? Despite the fact it has "electric" right there in the name, it's a fairly common misconception that dielectric grease is capable of conducting electricity. In actual fact, dielectric grease is an insulator and doesn't conduct electricity"
mcatrophy
Privileged to ride a 2018 FJR1300AS
Quite right. Neither does so-called conductive grease in any useful sense, its resistivity is orders of magnitude greater than any metal.
All properly designed switches will wipe the contacts as they come together so that anything (contaminants or grease) is cleared and there is finally metal-to-metal contact. This is the only way to pass any reasonable current through the contacts. (This goes for connectors as well.)
Grease of any sort is only there to try to prevent corrosion, though it may attract debris that could end up preventing a contact.
Dielectric grease is useful in high-voltage environments, think spark plug boots or similar. For normal automotive 12V areas, it has no more value than any other grease.
RossKean
Well-known member
Other than the fact that silicone greases are chemically quite stable and are very temperature resistant.
Good/bad property is that they are not especially soluble in solvents such as mineral spirits and may be difficult to remove 100%. They are HIGHLY resistant to moisture ingress - better than conventional grease. Not sure whether it is as good a lubricant so I wouldn't go packing bearings with it!
I use it on brake pins/sliders because of the water and temperature resistance. And on electrical stuff to keep moisture out and inhibit corrosion. I agree that non-ignition automotive applications do not require the high voltage dielectric properties but it works so I use it.
mcatrophy
Privileged to ride a 2018 FJR1300AS
You are quite right. My argument is with people who think its electrical properties are relevant, just because "electric" is in its description.
Thanks guys for the lesson(s) on use of dielectric grease. I have been using it wrongly on my battery tender pigtail connection. I will now use ACF-50.
mcatrophy
Privileged to ride a 2018 FJR1300AS
Not saying it's wrong to use dielectric grease, just that you are paying an unnecessary premium for it. Also, I don't know that ACF-50 will give long-term protection* against water ingress. By all means use ACF-50 to clean off corrosion, then use a water repellent grease for longer term protection.
* When I say "I don't know", that's exactly what I mean. Maybe someone who does know whether of not it gives long-term protection can comment.
Agreed with everyone on the wiping of mechanical switches that have been packed. Agreed with everything after the clarification of uses of DG (not a lube and used as a moisture barricade).
