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MG MGB Technical - Brake failure warning switch

Can anyone tell me how to remove this switch without removing the dash or any instruments from a 1974 Mgbgt. I have searched online and also used a mirror and lamp to view the area and I am aware that it is held in with a wire clip but I am unable to see how to remove it. I have a new switch to install and would like to get this done soon while I have the battery disconnected. Is there a trick or special tool?

Thanks
Brian
Brian Smith

Not seen on in the wild, but one end of the wire clip - presumably the end towards the top and the middle of the car in this picture - has a tab. I'd expect to push that towards the back of the dash then slide it upwards away from the side of the switch to detach it and release the switch.

paulh4

Thank Paul. Tried that and it would not move far enough to release. Lots of wires and very little room to work under there. The tab you are referring to is there but the wire loops back (top and bottom) and clips into the switch housing and the clip end is almost 1/2" long and I have been unable to get it to move far enough to release it. I have a new switch to install but any forcing could break the old switch, not a major problem, but I still need to install the new switch without damaging it.

B.
Brian Smith

Indeed, when describing it I did feel that putting it back could be more difficult than getting it out! Sorry I can't help further as we never had that type here.
paulh4

Sometimes you just need to destroy the old to install the new ;>) Tried everything to remove the old dash switch but in the end broke it. Once out it was obvious how to get the spring retainer out but almost impossible to get to.

The "closed" end clips into the switch and is the end to remove, just REALLY hard to get to. Thankfully the new switch is designed to clip in the dash.

Job done!
Brian Smith

How illogical is that? Well done.
paulh4

Rings a bell
When my friend did his L-R conversion he struggled with this --he ended up pulling the clip by it's little handle thingy right out away from the switch at about 45 degrees -That unhooked the dicky part of it out of the side of the switch and then with it out that far the other side lifts enough to get a screwdrider in there to lift the rest of the wire clip out and out it will come-
As Brian says, the later and replacement switches have the clips built in that can be pushed in with your fingers and don't use that pesky wire clip
willy
William Revit

Would there have been a special tool for the job or could you now make one knowing how things go in case you need to remove other similar switches.

No doubt there no room behind the dash with or without any special tool.

Nigel Atkins

The later versions of that switch, and the other switches, use a U-shaped tool to depress the tabs. The tabs are similar to those that UK toggle switches always had, which can be done with fingers as William says.
paulh4

This thread was discussed between 27/02/2019 and 04/03/2019

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