Micro switch, switch size.

If you can get to the cam all the way around (I can't tell from the photo whether the top is clear of obstruction) then a bit of brass strip wrapped around it, soldered into a continuous band and with a solder blob where you need the extra throw (pressed on _after_ soldering :-).

Hmm, I?m sure you could bodge something but I would have thought that wear should be pretty negligible on a component like this and it?s more likely that the switch is faulty internally. Given that it looks like you can pop the micro switch out by splaying the clawed prongs, I?d be tempted to pull it out and get a replacement.

It?s very unlikely to be specially designed for that machine and getting an identical replacement shouldn?t be too difficult.

Tim

No, when the door is in closed position I can press the red part of the microswitch and the dishwasher programme will start, the cam is just not pushing it down far enough.

bit of card. Sometimes a switch can be moved a little too. Fix card to the faulty part, the switch.

That could work by taking the switch off and reseating with a piece of card under it to raise it slightly, worth a try.

That could still be a fault in the switch though and a new one may not need to be pushed down so far.

SteveW

So why isn?t it pushing it down far enough now? As I said, unless there?s obvious wear somewhere, the fault could lie in the switch (requiring more movement to make it do its stuff).

Tim

That appears to have worked, a couple of pieces of thick paper under the microswitch. See image.

I would use a strip of plastic, say cut from an old credit card, rather than paper.

Has the switch just slid back due to wear or springiness of the white receptacle becoming relaxed with age - there seems to be a gap on the left hand front edge? Wedge a piece of plastic at the back to move the whole switch forward.

Yes I agree, I have put it back together with the paper but the paper will probably compress after a while and then I will replace with a strip of plastic.

Unfortunately it is more likely to be wear on the internal contacts than on the actuator, and it may soon fail completely. If they are not too expensive it may be better to get a new switch.

Yes no doubt something will fail eventually, it was in the house when we moved in and I reckon its around 12 years old, a new one is due according to management but not before I DIY it as much as possible.I can probably get a new switch for around £15 if necessary.

If it's a standard type of microswitch it will be a tenth of that on Radiospares or Ebay.

Tim+ was thinking very hard :

It is a standard unit, can be had for a few pence. There will be a model number on the switch, so easy to look up for a replacement.

Yes but for the micro switch but the complete lock mechanism I can get for under £15 so would probably buy that if it fails again. After closer inspection I think what has happened is that over time the `axle` that the cam is on has bent slightly as there is a strong pull with a spring on that part and thats what is causing the contact issue between cam and micro switch.

Yes for the micro switch but the complete lock mechanism I can get for under £15 so would probably buy that if it fails again. After closer inspection I think what has happened is that over time the `axle` that the cam is on has bent or worn slightly as there is a strong pull with a spring on that part and thats what is causing the contact issue between cam and micro switch. (see image)

I'd still try a new microswitch first. Their operating point does move a lot as the contacts wear.