Door light switch is loose

romamat · romamat's Garage

I have a 1988 911 Targa and I was in the process of replacing faulty door switch for the dome light. When I try to screw in the switch it does not tighten to the frame and is loose and I can just pull it out. I assume the hole in the frame has widened somehow or the threads on the new switch are not wide enough. The new switch is a Porsche OEM part from Pelican Parts. Any ideas as to how I can secure the switch is much appreciated?

75 911s · 75 911s's Garage

Do you have both washers in place?

concave washer : concave washer
backing washer : Pelican Parts - Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche & BMW

romamat · romamat's Garage

I didn't have a new backing washer so I have tried to use the old one. It was stuck on the old switch but I was able to get it off. Have you found that the treads on the switch don't grab onto the hole in the door frame?

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

Probably PO stripped it by over torqueing it

. The issue is, if it flops you will have intermitent dome lights when door is ajar.

Not the best way but try some aluminum foil to use it like a thread sealer or you may need to resort to timeserts.

86 911 Targa · 08-21-2016, 08:17 AM

And, be very-very careful that the wire does not fall into the body.

Gerry

422flat6 · 08-21-2016, 11:36 AM

Had the same problem. Appears the switch body is supposed to self-tap into the A-pillar sheet metal. Hole in my door frame was too large, presumably stripped by a previous owner. I used conductive epoxy adhesive on the switch body, stuck it in the hole and slammed the door. Left it for a day and the next morning my dome lights worked great. You can buy small quantities of this adhesive since it is commonly used to attach the wire to rear window defrosters on the glass. If Pelican doesn't carry it, you can get it on Amazon. I used ATOM brand. Aluminum foil seems like a good suggestion also.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86 911 Targa

And, be very-very careful that the wire does not fall into the body.

Tie that bad boy off to a washer or put a gob of masking tape on the end.

I got one "in the hole" right now.