Problem with Fenix TK40

[Locoboy5150]

What brand contact cleaner did you use?

Thanks for the info!

You're welcome. :)

I used CRC Electrical Parts Cleaner, part number 02180:

http://www.crcindustries.com/ei/content/prod_detail.aspx?S=Y&PN=02180

I bought it at least ten years ago from Fry's Electronics, a local electronics dealer here in the Bay Area. If you're going to buy contact cleaner from a local vendor, some places call it "TV tuner cleaner" since it was commonly used to clean TV channel change controls back when they were mechanical switches.

You might want to buy a big can of the stuff because it can be used to clean just about any electrical connector or switch in your house and car. There are generally two kinds available, one with switch lubricant and one without. The one that I used on my TK40's switch and linked above does not have lubricant. I've used both extensively and the kind with lubricant does attract dust over time but that is its only downside.

Also note that electrical contact cleaners will degrade some plastics immediately on contact. I sprayed the CRC brand cleaner in the switch of a fan once and it just disintegrated the switch's black plastic housing instantly on contact. It made the plastic brittle and it just cracked and fell apart and almost turned to dust. So before you spray it on something, check around the switch to make sure that there is no plastic nearby that could be harmed from over spray. It did not harm any of the plastic parts on my TK40's switch though and I seriously doused the whole thing with the contact cleaner.

Also, be careful when spraying the cleaner on a small part like your TK40's switch. The spray comes out very quickly and at close point blank range like that it can bounce back and bast you in your face and eyes. I wear glasses so I've never gotten back blasted in my eyes but it doesn't feel good to get smacked in the face with the stuff. Ask me how I know! :D

 

[NathanF]

We have a Fry's about 30 min from here, but I was able to order that exact can from drillspot.com for $8.64 shipped.

Thanks for the warnings about plastic and getting hit in the face - it's nice to learn from other people's mistakes before I get the opportunity to make them myself. :laughing:

I'll let you know how I make out. Again, thanks for all the info.

 

[acmccm]

After beating my head against the wall for a few hours this post fixed my problem. Amazing! I love the interwebz!! WooT! Thanks Pubdef.

I just today found my TK40 totally dead. Couldn't get it to light by shaking, or anything else. Batteries fine, and no corrosion. Couldn't measure appropriate voltages anywhere, though, and finally figured this:

Take all batteries out of the carrier. MAKE SURE THE CENTER POST IS TIGHT. (The black rod at the center of the carrier; it's hidden when the batteries are loaded.) Mine was loose. I turned it (as if tightening a screw into the bottom of the head of the carrier) and after several turns it became snug. Voila! Let there be light!

Hope this helps anyone having problems with this light...

 

[EsthetiX]

Hi everyone.
I've had my Fenix TK40 for few months and it's been amazing without problems. But now I have one. I took the sanyo eneloop rechargeables out to charge them again and when I put them back in then the flashlight didn't work. If I shake it and press on/off button then it flashes sometimes. I think it may be a connection problem somewhere but I dont know where...and even how to fix it.
So, if someone know what might help then it's all welcome!

Had this happen with a TK35UE recently. Light would flash once when I pressed the tail cap. Tried different batteries. Still wouldnt work. Eventually the light just came on very dim. Didn't have anything to do with dirty contacts. It was not the carrier either. I sent the light (just the head) in to Fenix and they sent me a working replacement head (totally different serial number) with no explanation of what the issue was. It cost me about $3 to do this using USPS first class and they covered return shipping. Took about 2-3 weeks during end of quarter.

Just realized this is a super old thread. Anyway, my recent experience working with Fenix provided the outcome I wanted.

 

[raduverdes]

Mine woks well after more than two years but sometimes power switch needs to be pressed twice to respond (when I don't used it for a long period) . After that, it works perfectly.

 

[CelticCross74]

what an old thread! First use the right batteries second from time to time the switch needs maintenance. Take it apart clean it up put it back together and you should be fine.