Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Greetings,

Could somebody describe how the switch that turn on the map light when opening the doors work? Mine are working when I push them out manually - but a spring mechanism or similar seems to be missing?

Thanks!

/Bluefield
26-3811

They should be spring loaded, sounds like you've lost yours, no need to fret as they're readily available from the usual sources.

If the spring is missing, then that's obviously what's wrong. But sometimes corrosion stops the spring working effectively and they need a good clean.

Normal sources supply these, but sometimes they vary in length.

Just a polite reminder to obtain several of the red switch shaped gaskets at the same time, as these can be used to vary the actuating position of the swtich, to overcome any size differences.

Power to these is' Hot at all times ', so you don't need the ignition switch turned on, to make them work.

Good luck,

Phil.

Sometimes my Lotus makes me cry.

My door switches worked poorly until I lubricated the little buggers with CLP and lapped the contacts using valve grinding compound; the latter was to get a fully circular contact area (as opposed to a point contact). Makes it easier for the springs.


regards
Rick


'69 Elan S4 DHC
'57 T1 Speedster
'67 S800 Coupe

OK, thanks for your help. The only problem is they have been untouched since the 60s and I hoped to avoid removing them Well, well...

/Bluefield
26-3811