Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Replacing light switch stalk, 2014 on models

As discussed earlier here the replacement part is Lucas STC4017 or SQB160 (later ref) which I believe fits earlier models as well, at least back to 2006. I'd bought one via eBay earlier as my Roadster was showing signs of intermittency when headlamps selected. Last night it was much worse with the dash lighting flicking between full intensity as with lights off and the correct dimmed mode, as selected by dimmer, every time I touched the stalk to dip headlamps or indicate.

Replacement starts by removing upper then lower cowls behind steering wheel (3 tiny self tappers each side plus two larger holding lower part of cowl). Remove horn push after removing steering wheel trim if standard wheel fitted. With steering wheel carefully placed in straight ahead position loosen wheel nut using 19mm socket and release from splines with a tug before complete removal. You should now see similar to below.



Remove the two securing screws immediately above and below "D" shaped moulding on light stalk. Remove the screw which supports the horn pickup brass strip. From below detach the brass strip from spade connector on switch assembly. This will be re-used. There is a tiny pip of plastic to right of D shape which provides detent. Using a thin flat bladed screwdriver in tiny gap between stalk and central housing gently pry. The detent pip should pop out especially if encouraged simultaneously by pushing with a suitable size drift. Once it's popped the stalk slides out to the left. When completely slid out from central housing (or nearly so) the two connector plugs 4 and 7 pin can be detached with a little wiggling, allowing complete removal of faulty switch.

New switch below.



The two securing screws above and below "D" moulding shown partially backed out need to be completely removed. Note also the brass spade terminal mentioned earlier bottom right which the brass strip/horn ring pickup connects to. Fit new switch by attaching connectors then slide into central housing but don't push fully home. From below push brass strip onto spade terminal of new stalk then push stalk fully home until it clicks whilst locating pickup strip. Replace it's fixing screw and those above and below D moulding. Check all stalk functions with ignition on. Steering wheel can then be re-attached without turning column and ensuring the indicator cancelling lugs on central collar are aligned with matching actuation on wheel boss. Replace cowl halves - job done

Although it may look possible don't be tempted to try this replacement without removing wheel - don't ask how I know either

I'm sure a wiper stalk replacement could be treated similarly.

Nice one Richard

Thank you - I am sure I shall need this one day.

I hope i don't need that but thanks. I usually make the wheel and the column before removal so on refitting the position is correct.

A very impressive operation undertaken there Richard - well done 👍

Presumably the fault was an electrical connection issue at play. Not what would be expected after relatively low mileage and age. Hopefully the replacement will last somewhat longer.

Would an occasional squirt of WD40 into the switch mechanism help longevity?

Or was it premature wear on the contacts and/or the plastic actuating mechanism?

Probably loose or wonky contacts within switch Chris rather than dirt or corrosion. Not desperate enough to take the old one to bits though assuming it was possible. Popular application for these light/indicator and matching wiper stalks is with Land Rover, some Freelanders for sure.

As reported here at the time, my light switch on the 2014 4/4 was broken in summer 2015. It is the same model. In my case, it was precisely on the light switch that rainwater dripped and made its way through the frame of the soft top on the windscreen. A thicker layer of insulating rubber in the frame of the soft top stopped the raindrops and the new switch has now lasted for 8 years and 110,000 kilometres. The light switch is electrically relieved since I have LED driving lights.

Be carefull with this thin pickup brass strip


On my car it was broken. It took me many days to find a spare part on which this brass strip was still present.

Many years ago I was told not to use WD40 on switches or electrical equipment as it goes sticky and attracts dirt

Yes switch (or brake) cleaner for switches.