Over Head Console Map Light Switch

[S33k3r]

Has anyone replaced the map light switches on an overhead console? I *think* I have found the right part, but if they are going to break again, I think I'd like to change the style of switch. Here's an example console (not mine); the two, round switches are the ones I am referencing.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Has anyone replaced the map light switches on an overhead console? I *think* I have found the right part, but if they are going to break again, I think I'd like to change the style of switch. Here's an example console (not mine); the two, round switches are the ones I am referencing.

I'd just swap the entire console--much easier. I've never heard much about them breaking alot.

 

[S33k3r]

I'd just swap the entire console--much easier. I've never heard much about them breaking alot.

I bought a used replacement; it has a broken switch -- the passenger side just like my original. So that's why I was looking at switches. Yes, I do feel like a moron.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I bought a used replacement; it has a broken switch -- the passenger side just like my original. So that's why I was looking at switches. Yes, I do feel like a moron.

Nah, don't feel like a moron. I'd just have both side by side and hopefully they're not broken in the same way--start swapping parts around.

 

[S33k3r]

Nah, don't feel like a moron. I'd just have both side by side and hopefully they're not broken in the same way--start swapping parts around.

I did learn how to remove the working switch, so I am hoping to get it swapped out with the non-working switch soon. Biggest hold up is that I need to get some heat shrink. You HAVE to cut the 3 wires coming from the switch. Thanks for the kind words.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I did learn how to remove the working switch, so I am hoping to get it swapped out with the non-working switch soon. Biggest hold up is that I need to get some heat shrink. You HAVE to cut the 3 wires coming from the switch. Thanks for the kind words.

How did the switch break? How does it look compared to an unbroken one?

 

[S33k3r]

The switches are two part affairs, made out of plastic. The broken switch has literally, fallen apart, but I'll get you some pictures of it. Mind you, this is from a truck, but it looks to be EXACTLY the same as my Suburban:

The first link is of the top 1/2 of the broken switch; the dangling black wire with a loop is the third wire that goes into the switch. It sits on the pin in the middle of the top half:

These are the components of the switch:

From right to left, of the picture JUST above: Round black button, bottom case of switch, as it mounts in the truck, internal button piece, spring that fits inside, additional button piece.

Picture above: The button pseudo assembled (without the spring;l it would not stay together with it, for these pictures.

That black piece comes out; you can see it in the second picture from the top. It is supposed to sit over the black wire whose loop is over the the center post. Then the white part of the button sits on that, then the spring, then the black part of the button, then the actual part of the button that users push.

Put it all together and it looks something like this:

It is tricky to pull it out of the case, if the switch is intact; basically, you gently pull the whole thing toward the prong side.

The biggest problem with these switches is that the plastic gets brittle as it ages, which causes the two case halves to split open. And that is when the switch dies.

I have seen one or two write-ups where the case sides were glued back together, but the nature of how the switch works leads to them breaking again within months of the repair.

 

[S33k3r]

Bonus picture; this is the backside of the overhead console (again for a truck):

The holes are where the switches slide in.

By the way, these consoles are up for sale every day on eBay. So if you want to see more pictures for the layout of everything else, they are there. I've been watching, as I intend to buy one, eventually with the garage door controls. And I am seriously considering getting one of the Tahoe/Suburban ones with the sunroof switch. That switch would give me the last control necessary to mount power extend/retract towing mirrors.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Bonus picture; this is the backside of the overhead console (again for a truck):

The holes are where the switches slide in.

By the way, these consoles are up for sale every day on eBay. So if you want to see more pictures for the layout of everything else, they are there. I've been watching, as I intend to buy one, eventually with the garage door controls. And I am seriously considering getting one of the Tahoe/Suburban ones with the sunroof switch. That switch would give me the last control necessary to mount power extend/retract towing mirrors.

I had one of these consoles for sale--with the moonroof switch and garage door buttons--for years. No one needed it I guess. Sold it finally--for cheap.
Have you tried JB Weld, or maybe some plastic weld?

 

[S33k3r]

I had one of these consoles for sale--with the moonroof switch and garage door buttons--for years. No one needed it I guess. Sold it finally--for cheap.
Have you tried JB Weld, or maybe some plastic weld?

Nah. I have 2 consoles, each with one, working switch. I've already cut the working switch out of the spare. I am just waiting until I can get some heat-shrink to splice it into the main console.

To be honest, one could just glue it, zip tie it, and glue the zip ties in place. If that came apart... Well, someone is smacking the buttons too hard anyway!