"Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message
m...
On 6/15/2012 10:34 PM, Steve B wrote:
My SIL is having a problem with her trolling motor on her canoe.
It has a
three position rocker switch with six spade prongs coming out the
back, two
for each position on the rocker. Right, middle, and left.

Not if the contacts are defective. They make high current,
'reversing' toggle switches that have a flat pair of straps that run
to opposing corners. If that thing was stored outdoors, or in a
damp location the guts are probably a green ball of goo.


If you feel adventuresome and inquisitive, and can buy a replacement,
it's often possible to disassemble and repair a toggle switch if it
has a top plate held to the body by bent fingers. Clamp or hold it
together and bend out the fingers with a small screwdriver and
needlenose pliers, then carefully let the plate spring out upwards and
note how it's assembled.

Scrape the burnt contacts clean, reassemble, test, and bend the
fingers back in with a small punch.

jsw