Electrical Contactors

Learn How To Identify and Replace Electrical Contactors

Disconnect battery and discharge capacitor
Remove covers to gain access to contact panel
Look for signs of heat (melted or discolored connections or contactor housings)
Inspect contact surfaces. They may look black and rough. This is normal. Do not clean or file contacts. They are made of a special silver alloy. When the contact has worn away or become deeply pitted it is time to replace.

Because of the number of parts that become worn thru normal use and the complexity of assembly it is much easier to replace the entire contactor rather than individual parts and often cheaper.
Gather information; make, model, serial number, controller type etc.
Identify contactor; does it have a single set of contacts or is it a double acting contactor with a normally open set of contacts band a normally closed set. Often knowing what purpose it serves can help in the identification. Directional, steering, hydraulic control, high speed, other. Where is it located on the contactor panel? (Upper left, center, etc.)

Once you have this information gathered you are ready to order your replacement. Call (616)796-6638 to speak with a customer service representative or check out our selection online here
Once you have the new contactor in hand compare it to the one you are replacing. It should have the same size and shape. Mounting and connection points should be the same also.
Make a diagram of where the wire and cable connections are made. Mark cables and wires with labels or tape. Use your camera to take a picture of the contactor before removing. (This can be a valuable tool)
Remove cabling, wiring and mounting screws. Carefully remove contactor assembly from panel taking care to leave cabling and wiring in place.
Compare to new part to insure they are the same.
Install contactor and wiring. Caution – do not overtighten. Contactor cable connections are made on brass bars. They are very soft. 15 inch pounds of torque is all that is needed. Double check to be sure connections are correct and secure.
Once all connections are made replace covers and reconnect battery. Test operation.