Hazard Switch Removal Procedure?

[Wasatch Jay]

I would have thought this was a simple and self-explanatory process, but thus far... no.

I need to remove the hazard switch assembly from my 1978 FJ40, and having previously butchered switches when removing them, I thought I'd learn from my mistakes (yes, plural) and ask first.

How does the knob come off the shaft, and what technique to folks use to remove the special nut in front?

 

[charliemeyer007]

Usually the knob screws on the usual way righty tighty lefty loosey. But also look for a set screw in the side or in the end under a cap. I usually just use true needle nose pliers into the holes to turn the "nut" while holding the backside of the switch. You could also take a piece of scrap steel and drill for pins of the right size and spacing. Pee tube penetrating oil sprayed at the back and front a day before can help. Electrical - disconnect the negative battery terminal first. Pays to have the wiring diagrams on hand. I had my Haynes on blown up to 24x36 and laminated after I wrote tune up & torque specs plus part numbers on the back.

 

[Wasatch Jay]

Thanks Charlie,

There looks to be a hole for a set screw along the shank of the knob, and based on size I would have thought a metric Allen head set screw. However, none of my metric Allen wrenches fit.

 

[brian]

It's phillips

 

[charliemeyer007]

PIA with old eyes trying to work on stuff. I was like 20/400 most of my life. Then they correct my vision with cataract surgery to 20/20. Yea well I can see good far, up close not so much. $store cheaters work good with the computer and reading sockets etc. but at arm's length nothing seems to work all that well. I did buy a borescope on Amoron the other day for like $30. Seems to work better on my newer smarter than me phone than the old dumb smart phone.

ProTip if you do cataract surgery, strongly consider paying extra for the better lens if you can.

 

[Engineer8000]

C surgery = vision, I was almost blind.

 

[Engineer8000]

The first foldable lens appeared in the 80s. I would be sitting in the corner worthless without cataract surgery, I guess I'm still worthless depends who you ask

 

[charliemeyer007]

I took the free lens from the VA. Later I found out there are better lenses that allow for better near/far vision but they cost extra. Not an expert but if you are up for cataract surgery I would investigate the option.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I think your posts are far from worthless.

 

[Engineer8000]

I had options, I picked the most straight forward lens. I figured I could live with readers. At least I had what vision I started with. I remember going to food lion the first time after surgery, the bright clear colors almost brought tears to my eyes. I run out of eye chart now at the Dr. Our world is so awesome now. I hope the guy that installed my lenses gets rich as F.

 

[Engineer8000]

Sorry for the hijack, hope you get your hazard switch removed.

 

[Wasatch Jay]

It's phillips

Thanks. I'll try that.

 

[brian]

Thanks. I'll try that.

As far as the pin wrench for the bezel....I have a small pair of needle nose pliers that, while never intended for this sorta of work, does an excellent job of removing them.

 

[Wasatch Jay]

Sorry for the hijack, hope you get your hazard switch removed.

No worries at all.

My eyesight was awesome for decades, and then age caught up with me. I hate wearing glasses and I'm strongly considering RLE - Refractive Lens Exchange. Cataract surgery involves removing the eye's natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. There have been significant advances in artificial lenses, and they are available in mono-focal and multi-focal variants (multi-focal being somewhat more expensive).

RLE is essentially the same procedure as cataract surgery... for people who don't have cataracts, but you end up with much better vision and in many cases glasses are no longer required. Of course it's all out of pocket, cost-wise.

 

[Wasatch Jay]

As far as the pin wrench for the bezel....I have a small pair of needle nose pliers that, while never intended for this sorta of work, does an excellent job of removing them.

I'll see if my smallest needle nose pliers will work. Thanks for your help!

 

[pb4ugo]

I've use 45 degree or 90* snap ring pliers.

 

[Shark56]

I'll see if my smallest needle nose pliers will work. Thanks for your help!

I have a set of snap ring pliers I use for the nut.

 

[Wasatch Jay]

I've use 45 degree or 90* snap ring pliers.

Ooh. That's a heck of an idea! Smart thinking!!!

I'll try snap ring pliers if the needle nose don't work.

My sincere thanks to all who have replied. I appreciate the suggestions.

 

[TreadingLight]

My technique:

1) remove set screw
2) twist off black knob
3) use a small punch and a hammer. Put the punch in one of the two holes in the silver nut and use repeated light taps to try and get the silver nut to spin. Usually I can take it off by hand at this point.
4) if the silver nut is stubborn, put masking tape on the dash to minimize scratches and use a vice grip to turn the silver nut.

 

[pb4ugo]

My technique:

1) remove set screw
2) twist off black knob
3) use a small punch and a hammer. Put the punch in one of the two holes in the silver nut and use repeated light taps to try and get the silver but to spin. Usually I can taken it off by hand at this point.
4) if the silver but is stubborn, put masking tape on the dash to minimize scratches and use a vice grip to turn the silver nut.

I've done this too on stubborn ones.
Small Channel locks or pliers