Are all rocker switch bodies the same?

[SWAShuttleGuy]

Okay, here's the issue - I have a Ford 2011 former shuttle bus that has 4 rocker switches on the 'doghouse'. They are for opening and closing the side doors, the interior lights, power to the wheelchair lift, and fast idle to be engaged when operating the lift.


Are all switch bodies the same? I'd like to replace the switch bodies and the rocker switches with labeled switches and bodies that have lights. I was able to pop off one of the rockers with that weird little tool and the switch body has a light but it doesn't illuminate.



I was hoping to replace those switch bodies with one that illuminates such as a Carling Contura V-series but have been unable to get a good look at the existing switch body without somehow standing on my head with a light to read what kind of switch it might be to see how many terminals it has.


So, can that be done, use a Carling switch body, or did Ford use some proprietary switch body?

[nikitis]

The technical answer is no, they are not all the same. Similar yes, And in some situations can be swapped, but gauge and amperage ratings are different for different applications. Heavier amperage application would use a more expensive switch. Lower amperage applications would use a cheaper switch because the amperage requirements are lower. Less likely to fry at the switch.

If the contacts on the underside match, you'd need to measure the amperage use on the switch when ON, to determine if it's swappable. If similar then yes. If not similar, it may work for a bit but will likely catch fire later down the road.

[Danjo]

Look at the back/sides of your current switches. Hopefully you have a part number. It should also have electrical characteristics. If it has a model number/manufacturer stamp then you should be able to cross reference an illuminated model

[Albatross]

Swapping switches out is really easy, all you need to know is the amperage, really. Voltage can also come into play, but it's actually pretty easy to use a 120V/250V switch so long as the new switch can handle the amperage of the load.

I generally shop for switches at mouser or digikey.com since radioshack's closed down. Or autoparts stores if I'm not being too picky.

Just remember Russian Cosmonaut advice on components:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bifOI4MbHVU

[ennonne]

If you're talking about switches added by your body builder, not the 4 Ford upfitter switches in the dash, they probably are Carling Contura switches (or knockoffs). If so, yes, most Carling Contura switch bodies are the same. They are available in nearly endless configurations.

Carling Contura Rocker Switches Explained

One supplier:
OTR Switch Guys
They even do custom actuators.

They are a bit pricey though. I've had good luck at local junkyards that get the occasional shuttle bus or step van to pilfer from.

[SWAShuttleGuy]

Originally Posted by ennonne

If you're talking about switches added by your body builder, not the 4 Ford upfitter switches in the dash, they probably are Carling Contura switches (or knockoffs). If so, yes, most Carling Contura switch bodies are the same. They are available in nearly endless configurations.

Carling Contura Rocker Switches Explained

One supplier:
OTR Switch Guys
They even do custom actuators.

They are a bit pricey though. I've had good luck at local junkyards that get the occasional shuttle bus or step van to pilfer from.

they are most likely the switches provided by the body builder and not Ford. They are installed on the top of the dog house just a few inches from the cup holder.


The 4 switches appear to be unlabelled with exception to the first one on the far left, it has the symbol for lights but opens and closes the side doors. The other switches are #2 = interior lights, #3 lift power, #4 fast idle on/off


the bus will be going to the mechanic later in January and that might be a real good time for him to take a look at the switch bodies and find out what they are in regard to amperage, type, terminals, etc.

[ennonne]

Yup, that's Carling stuff.