Sticky switch (info/trip)

[russm]

Hi all, just noticed that my bike has a "sticky" info/trip switch (left hand grip) it still functions but the rocker action is very tough. Any suggestions to fix this please? Cheers

 

[PhilBoy]

WD40 is your friend, just give it a squirt. Job should be a good un.

 

[JJH]

I think there’s a warning about wd40 and switches. Dr. Fragof is your man. JJH

 

[Morety]

Very common problem with the info/trip switch which bmw used to replace under warranty (requires the whole switch stalk to be replaced and it's not cheap!). Mine's being doing it since I bought it but it wasn't done under warranty as it still works even though it sticks now and again. The underlying issue cannot be cured with a squirt of regular wd40. In fact longer term that'll make things worse as when it dries it leaves a residue which can make the stickiness worse. WD40 though do many other products including a switch cleaner safe on plastics and rubber which should be fine to use.

The issue is the plastic switch mechanism and little spring, not the contact. The contact can become a bit mucky though. I cleaned mine using electrical contact cleaner and a few days later put a little squirt of ACF50 into the switch and it's functioned fine (electrically) ever since although it occasionally sticks. BMW don't seem interested in updating this switch cluster with something decent and I have to say it's one of the worst quality switch sets I've had on any modern motorcycle. The ones on the Triumph explorer were much better and backlit! KTM seem better too, as do most other premium brands of motorcycle.

 

[Rockred]

Very common problem with the info/trip switch which bmw used to replace under warranty (requires the whole switch stalk to be replaced and it's not cheap!). Mine's being doing it since I bought it but it wasn't done under warranty as it still works even though it sticks now and again. The underlying issue cannot be cured with a squirt of regular wd40. In fact longer term that'll make things worse as when it dries it leaves a residue which can make the stickiness worse. WD40 though do many other products including a switch cleaner safe on plastics and rubber which should be fine to use.

The issue is the plastic switch mechanism and little spring, not the contact. The contact can become a bit mucky though. I cleaned mine using electrical contact cleaner and a few days later put a little squirt of ACF50 into the switch and it's functioned fine (electrically) ever since although it occasionally sticks. BMW don't seem interested in updating this switch cluster with something decent and I have to say it's one of the worst quality switch sets I've had on any modern motorcycle. The ones on the Triumph explorer were much better and backlit! KTM seem better too, as do most other premium brands of motorcycle.

Plus one.........Mine is a 2015 GS, and its been sticking since day one more or less. I have been doing the same as Morety and its a lot better than before. BMW and penny pinching again.

 

[Victor c]

I had this issue on my 2016GS, which was more noticeable when pressing it down. On mine, there was a moulding line on the button that was catching, which you could see when it was pressed up. Scraped it off with a craft knife and all was well.

 

[russm]

Excellent responses folks, unfortunately does only reinforce what I thought in the first place, 2nd rate switchgear! Switch contact cleaner has just arrived courtesy of Mr Amazon!

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

I had a switch get sticky on a Harley used product below, swear by it now.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WD40-Dryin...YTSFX0K5S9W&psc=1&refRID=AE1HQHZCQYTSFX0K5S9W

 

[russm]

That is exactly the stuff that's just turned up! Will try it out tomorrow.

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

That is exactly the stuff that's just turned up! Will try it out tomorrow.

Only needs a little squirt then let it do its job.

 

[Benji]

Mine did it 2014/5 lc, Bmw replaced it last year , have the warranty tho’