Hello,
I need to replace the driver side door jam switch. The little toggle that controls the overhead lamp.
Is this easy to replace? Can I just unscrew it and pull it out?
Thanks.
It doesn't screw out but rather it's installed with rigid "wing" things that don't allow it to come out easily. I just inserted a screwdriver and poped mine out and there is a simple wire connector to undue. I'm not sure what your issue is with the switch, mine just wouldn't pop back out with the door open, and I just disassembled it and got it working with a bit of gun oil....for a short while! I'm planning on going to a yard and yanking one out. Just rememer if you ignore the problem: 1. your radio stays on, 2. your headlight chime wont respond for you and 3. if you have the factory "alarm" it wont recognize that the door is open allowing sombody to enter your car undetected. Good luck!
Ugh, if I had a nickel for every time I've had to replace those.
I always jam a piece of wood between the door and the switch to stop the chime while I'm working on my stereo, only to try closing the door without taking it our and crushing the switch
It's pretty easy to replace, and is about $5
You can usually pull it out, if not jam it with a screwdriver. Then there is a clip covered by the plastic "sound-deadening panel" above the drivers pedals. Unclip it, pull it out, put the new one in, clip it in place, enjoy.
Good luck.
SuperPyrofreek(Now With Boost) wrote:It doesn't screw out but rather it's installed with rigid "wing" things that don't allow it to come out easily. I just inserted a screwdriver and poped mine out and there is a simple wire connector to undue. I'm not sure what your issue is with the switch, mine just wouldn't pop back out with the door open, and I just disassembled it and got it working with a bit of gun oil....for a short while! I'm planning on going to a yard and yanking one out. Just rememer if you ignore the problem: 1. your radio stays on, 2. your headlight chime wont respond for you and 3. if you have the factory "alarm" it wont recognize that the door is open allowing sombody to enter your car undetected. Good luck!
Hey SuperPyrofreek,
My problem is the same as yours, it is stuck inside and wont pop out. I pulled it out with some plyers but the car doesnt register that it is poped out, so I need to replace it.
Quote:
It's pretty easy to replace, and is about $5
Unless you own 1996 or later - then its an outrageous $30+. And I got two different quotes on that price!
I would just go to a yard and yank one out. The gun oil worked for a while though!
I just replaced my door switch this week as my radio kept staying on (and the interior light wouldn't turn on) on my 2001 Cavalier. Just started happening out of the blue and I gave it a few days to ensure it was still acting up. It was. I paid $10 (cdn) from my local GM dealer and I had the old one out and new one within 1-2 minutes tops.. Another call to another dealer reported the same price. $30 is way too high.
SuperPyrofreek(Now With Boost)'s description above is EXACTLY what it looks like. I just grabbed a hold of mine with pliers and gave it a gentle yank downwards and outwards and it popped right out (figured it's already screwed so who cares if it breaks the wings off). New one clicks right in with the wiring harness connecting to the back of it.
