speedyman_2 Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Just noticed this on my way to work this morning. The Volume/seek buttons on my steering wheel are dark. No light at all. other side lights up fine. What type of bulb if any replaces this? Also, how to I go about removing the thing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chazglenn3 Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Welcome to the "lights out" club. Bad news my friend...there is no provision to change the bulbs, the entire switch has to be replaced. Both sides are out in my car. The switches aren't terribly expensive (around $50 each) but removing the steering wheel to replace them sounds like a huge PITA to me. I haven't decided if I will replace mine yet. Charles Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyman_2 Posted November 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Welcome to the "lights out" club. Bad news my friend...there is no provision to change the bulbs, the entire switch has to be replaced. Both sides are out in my car. The switches aren't terribly expensive (around $50 each) but removing the steering wheel to replace them sounds like a huge PITA to me. I haven't decided if I will replace mine yet. Charles Yep just read that. This sucks. Someone said they were able to pop them out of the wheel?? Either way I won't be doing anything until I at least get the new switch. Thanks for the reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maximln Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Although I have never done it, it is apparently very easy to change the switch if you know what you are doing. I went through 2 of them and one of the times, the tech didn't even charge me to change it. You just have to release the air bag module from behind the steering wheel by turning 4 "screws" or "releases" and then the module comes out. After that, I think there are only 2 screws holding in each switch. Again, easy if you know what you are doing but I just never liked to mess with the steering wheel. Max Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chazglenn3 Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Yeah...that's my problem...acute fear of "airbag-in-face-itis". Charles Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maximln Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 I wasn't really too worried about the air bags. I've seen technicians handle them just like any other part, despite all the WARNING messages in the repair manuals advising you to handle them like a bomb! I tried to do it one time but I couldn't get the 4 "whatever they are" to disengage on the rear of the steering wheel, even though I've seen the techs do it effortlessly. Max Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 I replaced the switch on my daughter previous '99 a couple of years ago. First time is a PITA. Once you know what you are doing it is pretty easy. First pull the air bag fuse under the rear seat. Remove the upper & lower column cowl. That gives you access to the 4 air bag pins. You must use just the right size flat bladed screwdriver and turn it 90 degrees to release each pin. Use a mirror to peek in the hole and you'll have a better idea of what you're doing. Once those are loose, the air bag will lift out. Each switch is held in place by one screw as I recall. Switches should be available from http://www.gmotors.com You can get the part number here. Remember they are color coordinated. http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadil...le-98-04-a.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chazglenn3 Posted November 7, 2006 Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Since the steering wheel doesn't have to come off, I will replace the switches. I have a buddy at the local Chevy dealer that gets me parts at his cost. Of course, that is if I ever get my car back from the engine swap. Charles Charles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedyman_2 Posted November 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2006 Thanks guys. this info helps out a lot. I hope it will be a not so eventful replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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