C15 switches

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C15 switches

Post by van ordinaire »

Quite by chance discovered rear fog switch won't stay depressed, i.e. on but removing it appears to be impossible (despite what it says in b-o-l). First of all it entails removing instrument panel (all snap together plastic) which can't be done without destroying (most of) it - that is why the panel lights are slowly failing!

I did read on from there but understoof none of it, without reference to the void where the instrument panel was!

So, it seems that having spent all that money on cambelt & clutch, it'll be scrap in a few months time - all for a cheap, nasty plastic switch (ironically for something that I've never used). Anyone know how that can be avoided?
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Re: C15 switches

Post by myglaren »

May not work but worth a try to squirt some Servisol into it.
Just had to do it on the dishwasher and I was surprised to find that it worked perfectly.
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Re: C15 switches

Post by ekjdm14 »

I would rather break a few clips & silicone the panel back in (if I had to) with new bulbs & new/repaired fog switch than kill off the van, Van... ;)

Failing that, butcher the old switch out and wire in a replacement toggle type?
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van ordinaire
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Re: C15 switches

Post by van ordinaire »

myglaren wrote: 18 Jul 2017, 06:39 May not work but worth a try to squirt some Servisol into it.
Just had to do it on the dishwasher and I was surprised to find that it worked perfectly.


Not the 1st reference to this product that I've read, although it's one of which I'd never heard.

However, it is only a brand name but I assume you are referring to their "Super 10" switch cleaner!? I had thought of using some contact cleaner, on the basis it couldn't do any harm, although I'd be more confident of success if the switch didn't work or stayed in, whereas what seems to have happened is the locking mechanism's failed.

(note to self: after clicking on "Submit" be patient, just wait, before hitting that back arrow)
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'97 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the red one
'99 Cadillac Seville STS
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Re: C15 switches

Post by van ordinaire »

I'd be very sorry to see it go, especially like that BUT it is a .]pig to work on (I have nothing but respect & admiration for those of you who maintain more sophisticated/complicated models!).

If only it were just a few clips but any more concerted effort to remove the instrument panel will, I am sure, result in breaking the perimeter trim in at least one place AND, probably, either cracking the plastic "glass" or chipping a sizable piece out of it.

As for the other suggestion, this being a Citroen (of sorts) the switch assembly is huge & it would leave an unsightly hole in the instrument pod. I am, more or less, resigned to after market rear fogs, completely independent wiring & an accessory switch/warning light - IF I can find an ignition feed. ALL because there is no apparent way to remove the instrument panel!
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& the numerous "abandoned projects" #-o
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Re: C15 switches

Post by Gibbo2286 »

What does this switch look like Van? I broke up a few C15s/Visas some time ago and there's a box of bits (electricals) on my workshop shelf.
I'm surprised that the panel needs to come out, most of the switches can be prised out from the front............but I'm not sure what you're talking about. :)
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Re: C15 switches

Post by white exec »

A photo would help no end.
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Re: C15 switches

Post by RichardW »

Like this I think - the side nacelle can be removed to access the switches according to Haynes!

Image
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Re: C15 switches

Post by Gibbo2286 »

None of those in my box unfortunately but I'm pretty sure as I said previously that those switches can be prised out from the front without removing the panel. The repair manual gives a time of 20 minutes to replace them.
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Ashampoo_Snap_2017.07.22_10h21m24s_001_.png
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'96 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the "donor"
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'97 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the red one
'99 Cadillac Seville STS
'96 Cadillac Eldorado ETC
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Re: C15 switches

Post by van ordinaire »

Thanks for all weighing in tryring to help.

It's Haynes that says, in section on removing switches, the 1st step (after - inevitably - disconnecting battery) is to remove instrument panel. However, just noticed it suggests you have to prise ther perimeter frame out at the top & bottom, apparently, simultaneously; p'raps that's were I've been going wrong.

It seems that is necessary so you can get to the retaining lugs & pop the switch assembly out from the back. I would try to prise it out from the front BUT removing the panel so I can replace the dash lights has been on the agenda since the 1st time I drove it at night. Each Summer it gets put on hold, in hope I can find s single spoke Visa wheel, as removing the wheel would, I feel, improve access - which would provide the perfect opportunty/excuse.
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club :cry:
'05 C15 :!:
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate [-o<
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3 :?
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS :|
& the numerous "abandoned projects" #-o
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van ordinaire
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'05 (yes, really) C15
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate
others:-
'96 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the "donor"
'99 Jeep Cherokee Orvis - the green one
'97 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the red one
'99 Cadillac Seville STS
'96 Cadillac Eldorado ETC
& numerous what might be described as abandoned projects!
x 405

Re: C15 switches

Post by van ordinaire »

This is still driving me mad as I can't believe that this sooooh difficult but then again absolutely everything on the supposedly easy to fix C15 is a complete pita!

I've tried contact cleaner but doesn't help - but not surprised, as fault is switch not locking in on position.

Made another tentative attempt to remove the switch from the front (as I had before reading up on it) but only succeeded in making more marks in the nacelle.

So, back to removing the instrument panel. The perimeter frame that holds the "glass" in apperars to be a snap fit, removed by inserting a screwdriver alomg its top & bottom edges & depressing clips BUT there's no gap at the top - & the bottom edge, which is free, reveals no clips.

If I go to all the trouble of fitting a completely independant rear fog & I lose another panel light bulb, the time is coming when I'd have no choice than to remove the instruments by an means (& deal with the colateral damage after), given I'd rather do all of this in the light, dry & warm, does anyone have any alternatives to deploying "brute force & ignorance now"?
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club :cry:
'05 C15 :!:
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate [-o<
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3 :?
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS :|
& the numerous "abandoned projects" #-o
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Re: C15 switches

Post by RichardW »

Haynes implies that you can remove the switch covers separately - how accurate this is I have no idea! Remove a screw at the bottom, then unclip at the bottom using a hooked tool, then unhook at the top. Sure it can't be that easy though.....!
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'05 (yes, really) C15
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate
others:-
'96 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the "donor"
'99 Jeep Cherokee Orvis - the green one
'97 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the red one
'99 Cadillac Seville STS
'96 Cadillac Eldorado ETC
& numerous what might be described as abandoned projects!
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Re: C15 switches

Post by van ordinaire »

Not in my C15 manual it doesn't, it says remove frame, "glass", instrument panel, then side nacelle - to access clips at the back of the switches, to push them out the front. You're not looking at a Visa manual by any chance are you? - 'though how/why that should be any different, I can't imagine.
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club :cry:
'05 C15 :!:
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate [-o<
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3 :?
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS :|
& the numerous "abandoned projects" #-o
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Re: C15 switches

Post by Gibbo2286 »

Maybe these pictures will help.
Attachments
Ashampoo_Snap_2017.08.09_13h48m10s_003_.png
Ashampoo_Snap_2017.08.09_13h47m40s_002_.png
Ashampoo_Snap_2017.08.09_13h51m27s_007_.png
Ashampoo_Snap_2017.08.09_13h49m15s_004_.png
Ashampoo_Snap_2017.08.09_13h48m10s_003_.png
Ashampoo_Snap_2017.08.09_13h47m40s_002_.png
Ashampoo_Snap_2017.08.09_13h47m05s_001_.png
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van ordinaire
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Location: Live & work in London but weekend in Devon (or do I now live in Torbay & work in London?)
My Cars: Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club (quietly sleeping in a parallel universe)
'05 (yes, really) C15
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate
others:-
'96 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the "donor"
'99 Jeep Cherokee Orvis - the green one
'97 Jeep Cherokee Limited - the red one
'99 Cadillac Seville STS
'96 Cadillac Eldorado ETC
& numerous what might be described as abandoned projects!
x 405

Re: C15 switches

Post by van ordinaire »

I've pored over those piccies &, if anything, am more confused than ever.

the one of the instrument cluster does show it as a complete unit, but gives no clue as to how it's fitted - or removed; whereas Haynes spells out how you dismantle it, to remove it.

that one showing all the switch options (which C15 had heated seats????) does suggest they are fitted/removed from the front - but I think it must be just to show what they look like & their positions.
Citroens:-
'81 2CV Club :cry:
'05 C15 :!:
'97 Xantia Exclusive estate [-o<
others:-
Jeep XJ Cherokees x 3 :?
'96 Cadillac Eldorado
'99 Cadillac STS :|
& the numerous "abandoned projects" #-o
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