Colecovision power switch

[edweird13]

The power switch on my Colecovision is loose and I have to wiggle it to get it to power on properly. Whats the best way to fix this? If I need to replace it what is the best replacement I can get?

[2600Lives]

The power switch is the most common thing to fail on the Coleco. It's due to a conductive paste they used that dries up. Personally, I took my CV apart, put a very small piece of toilet paper in the little tube on the plastic switch that sits on top of the power switch proper (to tighten up the connection), and used some WD40 on the switch itself, which works like the original paste. Works fine, though you do have to open it up and repeat every so often.

 

The switch is replaceable, but I forget what you need to get to do it. I'm sure someone here will know, though.

[dommie]

Although I haven't replaced the switch on the Coleco yet, I've replaced one on a bunch of other systems. What I usually end up doing is wire in a new toggle or rocker switch and mounting it somewhere discreet on the system. If you're handy with a soldering iron, then it's a pretty easy fix. I usually use automotive grade switches, which are cheap and durable.