Replacing Bulbs in the Steering Wheel?

[Sundown94]

Hey Dolphin, thanks for the pics and instructions on how to replace the bulbs/buttons. Just from looking at the pics themselves, it does appear that the hardest part will be reconnecting the new button to the wiring harness in the steering wheel. I wonder why GM wouldn't have just put a little more slack in the wiring to make it easier? How much time do you think you spent trying to reconnect the button? I'm afraid I'll lose my patience during the whole process. Thanks again!!

[dolphin06]

Sun,
After I got the switch out, I realized that I couldn't hold onto to the connector and plug the new switch back in (after about 10-15 minutes of trying).
The key to this (for me anyway), is to get some sort of tool that's skinny enough w/a hook on the end to carefully hold the back of the connector steady. That made plugging in the new switch possible. You may luck out & the wiring harness in your steering wheel may have more slack than mine did.
Once I had that "dental" tool to hold the connector, it took about 10 min. to do all three.

HTH

[Sundown94]

Thanks again Dolphin. I'm going to give the tool a shot. Considering what you have described, it must work well at putting enough pressure to get the plug into the switch, and I guess any lateral movement of the plug is minimized by the same pressure, thus allowing for the plug to aim directly into the back of the switch without bending to the left or right.

[mdoyle]

I just replaced my switch set this week after seeing the post here. The program switch was worn and the light was out on the source switch side.

The dealership charged me $23 for the part and it took all of 2 minutes to swap. The harness with the plug was short on mine so I used a small flat blade screwdriver to position the plug while getting it to click.

It's easy, go for it.

[Sundown94]

OK, so it's almost a year later now and the volume/seek button finally has both of the LEDs blown out in it (so not only is the volume side of the button blown out, but the seek side is dark as well). I know, I know, I totally procrastinated in replacing the button since I originally posted my question last December. Does anyone know the part# for the volume/seek button and also where is a good place to order from?

Thanks!

[dochummer]

Ummm...anybody have the part numbers for these switches? I just noticed that my lower left one went out.

Thanks!

[TBarrow]

I have never had lights on my buttons. I have a 2003 it was #450 built.