Surefire on the fritz!

Rhesus Feces

Rhesus Feces

bombastic simpleton
Joined
Jun 9, 2002
Messages
11,876
Alrighty, my EDC Surefire is acting the fool and I want it to stop.:D

The light:

This is an original E1 HA, not an E1e Elite.

It has a KL1(latest design w/scalloped bezel) installed and a fresh battery in it.

The problem:

When I push the button, it lights up, if I hold the button on, it stays lit up, as it should.

If I screw the tailcap down, sometimes it lights up and stays lit, sometimes it doesn't light up at all. Sometimes it can't decide and just flickers before making a commitment to staying on or off.
:rolleyes:

For the record:

The light has never been wet or subjected to shock.

Why is it acting up after being fine for several months?:confused:

Can anyone suggest a possible quick fix or is this a warranty repair?

Methinks the KL1 is acting up because there isn't a whole lot that can go wrong with the tailcap and an aluminum tube.
 
Clean off the tailcap end of the E1 body, at the threads and especially the edge of the tube. Push the switch out of the E1 tailcap and clean the edge of the switch where it contacts the edge of the tube.

A lot of times o-ring lubricant gets all over and degrades the electrical contact.

One time I even took my E1 body and tailcap to a sink and cleaned everything off with soap, water and a tooth brush (keep the KL1 away though!). Then applied some lube to the o-ring and it was back in action in no time. :)
 
There's probably some oxidation at the contact, you'll have to clean it off. It's fairly common but regular maintenance prevents it from occuring.
 
Hey, does the switch come out of the tail cap of all Surefires?
Just tried to push it thru the tail cap of my 6P. Seems to be in permanently.
So I stuck a piece of thick cardboard down there to wipe it clean.
Is there a secret to getting it out?
Thanks,
Lenny
 
The original style tailcaps on classic 6Ps and non-elite E series lights have switches that will fall out easily. Lockout and clickie type switches are "permanent" in so far as you need some tools to remove the switch.
 
Also, check the condition of the tail cap spring. Mine started having some problems and I noticed that the spring was warped. A quick call to Surefire and I had my light back into service within 4 days.
Matt
 
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