Steering wheel bulbs, why did GM do this?

[spgtti72]

On the bottom switches I don't see any way to get the switches out far enough to get to the connector...you will break the tab off the back of the switch while pulling it out of the wheel. Not knowing I could pull the wheel and grab some more slack, it took me 45min. to get the connector back on the back side of the switch while fishing it on with a screwdriver.

Breaking the switch apart and soldering the new bulbs in was easy, and I've never done anything with a soldering gun more than put wires together.

 

[jason78]

I need to make a slight correction after I just had a look at a steering wheel I have. The buttons cannot be unplugged from the back side. However, the steering wheel still needs to come off, then take the plastic trim off the back held on with two torx screws, then take the wiring harness connector loose from it's mount, and then you can pull the connector around to the back of the steering wheel and give the wiring to the switches plenty of extra slack.

It sounds like you are talking about a NNBS Steering Wheel. Most of the comments here have been about the NBS Wheel. What year and model are you referring to?

 

[91RS]

It sounds like you are talking about a NNBS Steering Wheel. Most of the comments here have been about the NBS Wheel. What year and model are you referring to?

NBS. NNBS wheels don't have to come off to change the buttons.

 

[ScottyBoy]

91RS is correct. if you do completely remove the NBS wheel, you can give the switches a bit more slack, making it much easier to re-install the lower switches.
However, it is possible to re-install them without removing the wheel. But it takes some skill, and a pair of long right andled needle nose pliers.

 

[bsul92]

Replacing the steering wheel lights just might of been the worst experience of my life. The top two came out without even disassembling the wheel. The bottom two weren't so cooperative.

 

[JochenWoern]

Replacing the steering wheel lights just might of been the worst experience of my life. The top two came out without even disassembling the wheel. The bottom two weren't so cooperative.

Guess mine will stay NOT illuminated, as I am for sure not up for the challenge and/or the headache.

 

[bsul92]

Guess mine will stay NOT illuminated, as I am for sure not up for the challenge and/or the headache.

Yea honestly, i dont blame you. and even after replacing mine, Two have already popped.

 

[JochenWoern]

Yea honestly, i dont blame you. and even after replacing mine, Two have already popped.

That's too bad. Sorry.

 

[ktmhans]

Hmm,
I have to say i have replaced both bottom switches on my 04 was it a pita yes, but not different from anything else i have done on this truck. Little patience and a pair of harbor freight hemostats. Less then 5 min.
No fat fingers allowed. LoL

 

[JochenWoern]

Hmm,
I have to say i have replaced both bottom switches on my 04 was it a pita yes, but not different from anything else i have done on this truck. Little patience and a pair of harbor freight hemostats. Less then 5 min.
No fat fingers allowed. LoL

What is a "hemostat"????

KTMHans, are you Austrian???? If so, where from?