Sticking power switch on K20D

Can anyone help, please?

My K20D has started to get a really stiff on/off power switch.

I'm sure I've read somewhere what to do to solve it, but have no help with any of the forums or google search functions.

It is really tough to switch on at times, yet other times, on the same day even, it is no problem.

Don't want to force it too much.

Anyone had similar issues and/or a remedy.

Thanks in advance.

My K20D switch is starting to suffer the same. But only on the Live View spring loaded section. When I switch to live view it doesn't return to teh on position immediately.

wahing liquid and warm water and cotton buds.

Thanks for the replies.

May try warm water and cotton buds but not sure about washing up liquid, does it not have salt in it or something like that? Would it do damage?

I had a feeling I read about someone using electrical contact cleaner (whatever that is?) but can't find it anywhere, the answer, not the cleaner.

Was out tonight and it was stiffer than ever... ( no jokes please :blush

it will be fine or use this,
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria=usb&ModuleNo=25340&C=SO&U=S...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Electrical-Contact-Cleaner-Comma-Restores-Contact-500ml-/2...

Personally I'd steer clear of contact cleaner. It is designed to remove oxidization and gunge from electrical contacts (uncannily) and is going to be a bit fierce.

Sir, I had a similar problem with my K20D u/warranty. Unfortunately I bought it at B&H in New York and now i am in Bangalore. Being a Master Mechanic and an electronic DIY, I tried some WD-40. And it worked. But please DO NOT spray it out of the can. Spray some onto a clean wine glass. Remove the battery. Dip a wooden tooth pick and apply it around the switch (approx 2 drops). Turn the switch of and on. Repeat if necessary, but do not use more than (4 drops). Wipe clean with tissue.

Wd-40 is not something I'd recommend. IT'll only kludge up with more crap again and possible make things worse the next time

If it's plastic against plastic polishing with Mr Sheen could work.

Scared to try anything now!

It's not happening all the time, which is confusing me even more!

Will keep an eye on it... Thanks for all the advice.

Sir, please do not be afraid to use WD-40 as I said earlier. I have tried it on my K20D for a similar problem as yours and it worked just great. WD-40 is also good on electrical contacts and actually cleans gunk.
Remove the battery. Apply (2) drops with a tooth pick - do not spray directly from can. Turn the camera upside down and operate the switch a few times. Repeat once more if necessary. Clean with tissue.
WD-40 dries fast leaving almost no trace.

Another vote against WD40. It dissolves some plastics and adhesives, attracts dirt and is very pervasive.

The plastic named are Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene for the rest it seems pretty safe.
But indeed be careful with what type of product you use on rubber and plastics some don't go well together and there is a clear difference between natural rubber and synthetic.

Luke water with soap like suggested is harmless, the soap only makes a bond with grease so that should clean things up.

WD-40 leaves an oily residue which attracts more dirt. It's not good for electrical contacts for the same reason.

It may have fixed your problem in the short term, but long term you've likely made things worse.

I used to repair electronic music gear, amps, mixers, synths, etc for a living and I've seen no end of pots and switches gunked up by people spraying them with unsuitable fluids.

I used Foam Cleaner from RS/Farnell to clean the sticking zoom switch on my girlfriends Panasonic Compact when that became sticky (Beer at a gig!!)

I sprayed a liberal amount onto the offending device (battery removed) operated the switch several times and then dryed using a can of compressed air.

The camera has gone to see Appocalypitica tonight and I'm stuck at work!

Cheers

MZ