Problem with Peak Matterhorn - how to fix?

[rwolff]

I've got a Matterhorn (aluminum) that's been on my truck key ring for about 4 years, and lately it's not been turning on (or off) reliably. Sometimes it takes a couple tries of screwing down the head before it will light, other times (at night) I'll suddenly see a pool of light on the floorboards.

Generally it becomes more reliable after half a dozen screw down/unscrew cycles, and I've seen oxide on the threads. I suspect that the "won't turn on" is that there's oxide blocking electrical contact, and "turns on by itself" is vibration wearing through the oxide layer to give metal-to-metal contact when I thought it was turned off.

How do I get it working properly again? I have access to NYK 77 "terminal grease" - would putting some of that on the threads help? Would have posted in the manufacturer's corner, but there's no longer a section for Peak.

 

[Brasso]

Order some dexoit.

 

[jabe1]

Clean the threads in the battery case, and on the head with some rubbing alcohol and an old toothbrush (not your current one :sick2.

Then deoxit, followed by the recommended thread lubricant. I think Curt uses anti-seize copper. If your matty has the removable battery neg contact, take that out and give it the same treatment.

 

[cave dave]

You can also clean the contact with a pencil eraser. I have had similar problems with peak and no amount of cleaning helped but a trip back to Peak did. Try the cleaning first though, Peak customer service sucks.

I have had similar issues with Arc AAA's and a good cleaning usually fixes it.

 

[cave dave]

Double post removed.