Fastrack switch lamp doesn't work

There is a very thin needle that runs from the side of the switch to the lamp. This creates the conection from the switch body to the light. If you look close you can see the holes where it is mounted. Since fast track allows you to position the light on ether side. Most likly the pine was ether missing,or it fell out and was in the box some where. This is an easy fix. Use a sowing needle thats fit into the holes. This is alot stronger and dose not bend as easy and provides a better connection. If the needle is bent or fits loosely the light will not work. You can also check the underside by removing the plate and check to make sure all the wires are tight.  If you need a pic of what I am talking about let me know and I will post in the morning.

Doug

Hello Doug

Thank-you for the response pictures would be nice.

The best thing you can do is TAKE it back.These Fast Track switches are expensive and when one becomes a problem it will be a problem.I have 27 on my layout....5 did not work properly new out of the box.Don't be trying to repair some Chinese made POS if you don't have to.Good luck.

As far as I am aware, the small wire mentioned above is purely cosmetic, and has no effect upon the operation of the lamp. The wire is meant to represent the rod that would connect the switch to the lever/lamp mechanism on a real switch. It simply sits in place and has no mechanical or electrical function.

 

The electrical connections to the lamp are made through the two tabs on the posts where the mounting screws go. (See picture below.)

 

I thought the same thing too.but if you pull it out the light dose not work. The problem is if its the led you cannot repace the led. You have to by the unit pictured.

Very strange. I have 2 switches where the wire is missing, and the lamps work perfectly.

I'm puzzled as to how this could affect your switches, as there is no electrical contact to that wire. 

That "wire" that sticks in the middle is just cosmetic.  However, you can replace the LED, I've replaced one.  It's just a standard LED.

I cant figure it out either. I swapped it out with another unit and had the same problem once I put the pin in it worked.