BW35 Inhibitor switch.... simple upgrade?

Richard B

Member
Hi All

So I'm fed up with low quality inhibitor switches and the faff of replacing every 6m to a year. A common fault seems to be failure of the crimped metal cylinder to grip on to the plastic top housing the spade connectors. The last 2 have fallen apart in my hands as I unscrewed them from the transmission (see photo). Anyway, after having a close look i could see that the switch mechanism works fine. Hence, I have reassembled and glued the plastic top on to the metal cylinder with araldite and further secured by drilling 2 small pilot holes and then screwing in 2 x M1.7 (5mm) self tapping screws covered in threadlock (see other photo). Left it gently squeezed in a vice overnight and now seems to function fine. Feels very robust with no play between the plastic top and the metal cylinder. You need to make sure the screws are not long enough to short out the pins holding the spade connectors to the outer metal casing.... easily checked with a multimeter. I've no idea how long this will last but feels like a solid solution.

I offer it up to others frustrated with low quality inhibitor switches..... I have replaced at least 4!

Cheers

Richard
 

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Clever innovation. You should contact the manufacturer with your update and retire on the royalties. Lets hope the glue holds up under heat overtime. Good helpful info Mister R.
 
Another good reason to have a manual box! On royalties for inventions....best one I have heard of is the cut in the edge of a wooden cotton reel, used to trap the end of the thread so it doesnt unravel.
 
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Another good reason to have a manual box! On royalties for inventions....best one I have heard of is the cut in the edge of a wooden cotton reel, used to trap the end of the thread so it doesnt unravel.
I somehow remember as a little fella back in the 50's my Dad fresh from the war ,making a tank from a cotton reel and rubber band with other pieces. The nick in the reel reminded me ,as it was part of its movement.
 
I

I somehow remember as a little fella back in the 50's my Dad fresh from the war ,making a tank from a cotton reel and rubber band with other pieces. The nick in the reel reminded me ,as it was part of its movement.

Hi, I can also remember making those in the 60s and Mum bemoaning me pestering her for them and me cutting up candles she was saving for power cuts. Additional notches aiding traction.

Colin
 
To get back to the first post, if the original switches fail due to burned contacts, perhaps it could be possible to take them apart and refurbish them.
Also the introduction of relays in the circuit could help these live for longer.
 
To get back to the first post, if the original switches fail due to burned contacts, perhaps it could be possible to take them apart and refurbish them.
Also the introduction of relays in the circuit could help these live for longer.


Contacts seem ok... just construction that is a bit rubbish. on the relay point there are already 4 switches to operate the starter....ignition key, inhibitor switch, starter relay and starter solenoid.... I'd be reluctant to add another!
 
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