SI67

I've been using the Wirth battery cutoff switch that a number of folks here seem to like for about a year. In the last week, my left-side headlight pod, which seems to have more friction when trying to open than does the right side, won't open. I've also noticed that the battery cutoff switch is a little finicky about making contact when close it. I saw some green corrosion on the switch, per the attached photo.

I removed the switch and reconnected the negative cable directly to the battery post, and of course that solved my headlight pod problem, so clearly the switch (and, I ASSUME the corrosion on it) were the problem. I'm a little surprised because the starter, which I assumed would be the biggest hurdle for an electrical system with excessive resistance, was cranking OK.

So is there a way to prevent this corrosion? Or do switch users have to clean the contacts periodically with sandpaper or an emery board?

65GGvert

I'd put a little of that grease you have on the threads of the cable end bolt on the blade contacts as well.

65hihp

Get the ****.
You'll have less problems.

65GGvert

You won't have less problems, you'll just different problems.

ejboyd5

Generally, one gets what one pays for. Hella and Cole Hersee both make fine switches - check them out.

cardo0

Wheel bearing grease, petrol jelly or something on the shelf at PepBoys helps but you have to recoat the entire terminal every time you refill the batt - at least once a year. On the switch you gonna need to brush the contact surfaces inside the switch. Things get messy fast. I've tried the spray on cleaner then the spray on terminal coating and now my Dodge truck w/2 batts has paint removed spots on both fenders.

I guess what I'm saying is clean carefully once and reapply coatings annually.

Chuck Gongloff

IMHO, you'll have MORE problems.

SI67

Refill the battery? It's not an original-style battery. Supposedly "maintenance-free" but I get what you and others say about coating with some sort of goop. Thanks to all.

I knew the **** vs. switch debate would come up.

65hihp

This wouldn't be the Corvette Forum we all love if it didn't.

Kerrmudgeon

I'd sprinkle a little water and baking soda on it.....let it work and brush it off. Rinse with water, dry. Then use some dialectic grease on all the surfaces to inhibit corrosion. Switch should go on the negative side to get less acid corrosion.
All kinds of brands......all good.

SI67

[QUOTE=Kerrmudgeon;1592964689]I'd sprinkle a little water and baking soda on it.....let it work and brush it off. Rinse with water, dry. Then use some dialectic grease on all the surfaces to inhibit corrosion. Switch should go on the negative side to get less acid corrosion.
All kinds of brands......all good.

Thanks for the cleaning tips. Switch was (and if reinstalled, will be) on the negative post. I can understand why one would use some kind of goop that covers and clings to the surfaces.

ILBMF

Neg side is correct and dielectric grease is fine or any grease for that matter. The corrosion can't happen unless oxygen gets to the metal surface which is why grease works well.

Bill32

Yep