Dash lights would all come up and stay bright when the key was turned to the cranking position but nothing happened with the starter.
Spent an afternoon cleaning, checking and tightening all connections at the starter/solenoid end but to no avail.
Finally decided it was something up with the (early) Escort column switch.
Removal is simple - two screws on the end plate plus a multi-plug.
In theory it's a non-serviceable item but with a bit of careful pulling and levering with screwdriver and pliers the fibre contact plate came off.
Inside the problem was obvious. The grease around the contacts was thick, green and caked. The contacts were also glazed over.
A bit of contact cleaner, some fine wet & dry followed by more contact cleaner and it's all bright and shiny.
Maplins do some Heat Sink Compound which electronic engineer son swears will do the job of lubricating the contacts whilst allowing current to pass.
Re-assembly of the outer casing requires some careful nipping-in of the indents (using the corners of the vice jaws means it's quite controllable) to hold the fibre contact plate in its original position.
Now works fine and sure beats the £60 or so someone was asking for the complete switch/lock unit on fleabay.
Cheers, Pewe
