HP-41cx Card Reader rebuild question

[Bruce Larrabee]

Try this... If you look between the switch pcb and the switch plate you can see the two contact switches. With no card inserted the ends of the switches should be making contact with the pcb and nowhere else.

The switches have a little dimple down a little ways from their ends. Now, slowly insert a card. As you do the switches should rise up and the dimple should make contact with the pcb. This is what makes the motor turn on and off.

Okay that is a simplification, there is more to turning the motor on and off.

But by watching carefully you can see if the switches are functioning properly. They often are not. (For example getting stuck and doing something like you describe...)

If they are not working properly it is often because they have become bent or distorted. They can be repaired by being (carefully!) bent back to their original shape.

I'll try to check back and see if you have it fixed....