redroto

Hi all- I am still working on a moderate reno on my 91 convertible. Both combi switches are partially disabled and rather than install a used switch just as old as mine- or spend upwards of $1500 for new- I want to get them re-built. Anyone know of a resouce for this service? Thanks for your support!

Dltreezan

iTrader: (3)

which switches are these? Are you talking about the motor for the top?

redroto

Hi- no the combo switches on the steering column. The right hand one controls the wipers/washers and blinkers (from memory?) and the left controls cruise control, etc.

They are hundreds of bucks each from Mazda...I am told the contacts are corroded. Otherwise they are not "broken"...I expect someone who understands electrical switches generally could restore the contacts & wiring but I can't seem to find same...

Vierte

iTrader: (2)

I think the turn signal is on the left. What do you mean by partial disabled? If your high beams arent working then it might not be the switch. My high beams dont work but flash to pass does. I believe there is a stupid control unit somewhere that operates the high beams that tends to fail.

I have never taken apart the combo switches but I have repaired a vert top switch and DS window switch. It was very easy.

daviddeep

iTrader: (4)

For us to give you the best advice, you first need to be more specific about which switches are giving you problems. Is it the wiper/4-way flasher switch on the right side of the instrument panel hood, the headlight switch on the left, or one of the flipper-style controls on either side of the steering wheel?

What are the symptoms of the wiper switch? If it's the usual stuff (wipers don't work in intermittent mode, fail to park properly, only work in "low" speed mode, etc.), then you probably just need to replace the main relay. There are many threads on this subject if you do a search. Recently deceased forum moderator "Icemark" used to rebuild these switches for a reasonable fee; just a couple days ago there was a thread about whether any current members are rebuilding switches and there were a few suggestions:

https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/does-anyone-rebuild-switches-anymore-848324/

redroto

yes- it is all that kind of stuff. Headlights- Flash to pass doesn't work, brights don't work but low beams do, on the wipers- they only work on high speed, don't park, no intermittent, etc.

I am working with a mazda mechanic who has been good to me- but he's used to just replacing stuff rather than "figuring it out". I'm not an expert on the internal workings but it seems to me these switches don't need much work- just someone who knows what they're doing...

Any specific people you know?

daviddeep

iTrader: (4)

Your wiper switch problem is extremely common; it happens to pretty much every FC RX-7 sooner or later. There are literally hundreds of threads on this subject. As I mentioned above, former moderator Icemark used to offer a rebuilding service; you can check the link I posted above to a thread in which a few member names are mentioned of guys who may be able to help you with rebuilding now. Icemark (aka Mark Mildice) used to have detailed instructions on performing this repair on his website, but it appears to be down now. I'll send you a PM with a copy of Mark's old instructions; if you can handle some basic soldering, you can make this repair yourself.

As to the headlight switch, it may or may not be a relay problem. I've never had headlight switch problems so I haven't read up on this subject so much. I do know that the S5 switch uses a different relay than the S4. Someone else might be able to pitch in here and help you with more info. Icemark also had a headlight switch rebuilding tutorial, but unfortunately I didn't think to save that one. I wish I had. Does anyone have a copy anywhere?

daviddeep

iTrader: (4)

Incidentally, if your local Mazda dealer quoted you $1500 to replace those two combination switches, that's way too much. Mazdatrix (www.mazdatrix.com) wants $362 for the S5 headlight switch and $489 for the S5 convertible wiper switch for cars with airbags:

http://www.mazdatrix.com/86-92Electrical-Chassis.htm

However, you can fix the wiper switch for the cost of a $6 relay and a little soldering, so even the $489 switch is way too much.