E-Type Turn Switch - loose braid for horn?

[jjbunn]

Here's a photo of the turn switch from my '69 E-Type:

I believe this must attach to the stalk, since the Purple/Black wire running inside the stalk, is connected to the stalk body when the switch is depressed, and so the stalk body must need to be connected to the braid, i.e. earth.

However, I can't see where and how it was attached. I also can't find any detailed diagrams of the switch in the various books I have, or online.

Does anyone know how/where the braid should be connected?

Thanks!

 

[Andy Blackley]

Julian:
I haven't delved into this one myself, but since my car is the same as yours the problem intrigues me, for future reference.

Looking at the wiring diagram, there is a ground for not only the horn, but also one for the individual left and right turn signal positions. My guess is that they all use a common ground point through the internals of the switch, ie. on the aluminum ring. Is there any sign that the braided ground had been soldered to the ring? You could test this theory by reconnecting the switch to the harness connection and then touch the braid to the ring (or have it clamped on) while operating the switch.

 

[jjbunn]

Julian:
I haven't delved into this one myself, but since my car is the same as yours the problem intrigues me, for future reference.

Looking at the wiring diagram, there is a ground for not only the horn, but also one for the individual left and right turn signal positions. My guess is that they all use a common ground point through the internals of the switch, ie. on the aluminum ring. Is there any sign that the braided ground had been soldered to the ring? You could test this theory by reconnecting the switch to the harness connection and then touch the braid to the ring (or have it clamped on) while operating the switch.

Hi Andy,

John Holmes at jag-lovers sent me some photos of his switch - the braid is attached to the stalk, at the base of the stalk, apparently crimped on. I may need to find an alternative way of attaching it there. I'm making a rough documentation of these switch investigations here: Jag page

I hot wired the horn to see if it worked - and almost jumped out of my skin!

 

[DrEntropy]

I hot wired the horn to see if it worked - and almost jumped out of my skin!

THAT'S funny!!!

 

[jjbunn]

I hot wired the horn to see if it worked - and almost jumped out of my skin!

THAT'S funny!!!

Good job I was wearing my brown corduroy trousers.

 

[jjbunn]

I ended up reattaching the braid by using a solder tab attached to a small bolt running through a hole I drilled through the metal switch base. Not pretty, but it works.

 

[Andy Blackley]

Looks good Julian. Thanks for sharing.