Re-Building the Jaguar XJ-S wing mirror switch.

By Jon Stephenson

Like most of these switch, water get inside and does what water does to switch contact.  A number of modifications are out there to replace the pair of switches, but I wonted to keep the olde “look and feel”.  As I hade one spare switch I thought I would take a look and see if it could be re-built.  The following is a description of what and how I did to make these switched like new.  Sorry that some of the pictures are out of focus, but the camera I used did not have a macro mode.

First I found a pair of wire cutters that a nice wedge on the cutting edge.  This made it very easy to remove the pins that hold the switch together.

The pins are carefully removed while holding the switch together so as not to loose parts all over the workshop floor!

And the inside is just as expected!  The contact ring is totally corroded and provides the same conductivity as a piece of glass!

After removing the four contacts and springs, the switch was cleaned and the pins that hold the four contacts and springs were “wire wooled”.

Then the contact part of the switch was re-assembled.

Next came the fabrication of the switch contact ring.  I used a piece of brass that was the same thickness as the old one.  This was purchased from a “Do-It” store.  But any hardware/hobby store should carry it.

Then bent into, more or less, the same shape at the old one and fitted using the same pin and holes that held the original one.

Finally the pins are squeezed back into place.

And it’s as good as new!!