Basement Light Switches

[W8RLM]

This is different from the other Basement Light Switch thread. I have a 2006 Journey, Model 39K. On the curb side Storemore basement compartments, two of my basement light switches - first and third - don't work. The center one will correctly turn on all of the lights. I have replaced one of the switches at GNR in 2008.

Has anyone had switch problems on their basement compartment light switches? If so, do you find any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

W8RLM - Bob

[Dave from MN]

I have had my share of compartment light troubles. It was either switches or bulbs. If one switch will turn on all the lights. Then it has to be the switches. Try shorting the wires on switches that don't work. That will tell you if that switch is bad.

[W8RLM]

I agree, and that was my next step when I had time. I was hoping that others may have had that problem and had found other solutions.

Thanks for the reply.

W8RLM - Bob

[Gary CA]

When my switches stop working I get the exact switch at PeP Boys Auto for about $5, door jam switch, they are about $15 at an RV store.

[MonacoMama]

-GaryCA ...is your avatar from a location in Oregon??

[MrTransistor]

Yes Bob, I have replaced several of them. The old ones that I disassembled were in excellent condition except for a small non-conductive pimple on either the fixed contacts or the movable piece. I have removed this pimple and reassembled the switch and it worked perfectly. I suspect that this problem is due to the non-sealed design of the switch. Dust and dirt collect inside the switch and when a door is opened, the dirt is ground into the contact until there is no longer proper contact. Solution? Don’t know, so far I’ve just replaced them.

[W8RLM]

Folks,

Thanks for the responses. I've also disassembled one, but didn't see the contamination. I'll try one just to check. I like the replacement switch option.

Thanks again.

W8RLM - Bob

[Party Barge]

I found after delivery of my coach that a couple of the switch mounts were not aligned well and the lights stayed on when the compartment were closed. I had to crawl into the compartment to check the swithes and bend the bracket so the light would turn off.
To make sure that I didn't have a hidden current lost in the future, I bought a hand full of flip switches and installed them into the line right next to the button switches and just turn them on when needed.

[W8RLM]

Party Barge,

Not a bad idea. I may just replace the switches that don't work with switches.

Thanks

W8RLM - Bob