How to-Replace 86 PDL-Switch?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 222
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From: Toronto(Don Mills) Ontario
How to-Replace 86 PDL-Switch?
The passenger side PDL-Switch on my L86 coupe is broken(spring/contact inside Switch is busted-just flops loose back and forth). Manual switch, and PDL Switch from driver side still work fine on both doors. I have a new switch I purchased years ago for just such a possibility. Now I've done Forum searches, but find no tips or info on actually replacing these Switches on early C4's. Specifically, can this Switch be replaced by just removing the door panel Insert panel, that sits in the passenger door panel, or do you have to remove the entire door panel, as the manuals imply? Either way, any practical advice or tips when I do this? Thanks all!
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Must remove door panel....
You have to remove the door panel to properly get to the door lock switch. The wiring plug must be removed from the switch, but it has 5 prongs on it and it can be a little difficult to get off.
To take the door panel off you must remove the 7 screws along the bottom edge of the panel, the top side screw on the edge of the door by the door catch, the 2 screws down in the hand pull and 1 screw in the center of the insert panel. Finally, you must carefully pull off the manual door lock slide being careful not to break the plastic tabs on it. Once all these screws are removed you must lift the panel up and out as it sits on a metal ledge on the top of the door frame.
Once off you can unplug the door lock plug and remove the 2 screws holding the switch in place.
The most difficulty you will have is getting the manual door lock slide back in place. I have found that if you tie a 6" string on it, you can more easily fish it back through the small opening in the door panel.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
To take the door panel off you must remove the 7 screws along the bottom edge of the panel, the top side screw on the edge of the door by the door catch, the 2 screws down in the hand pull and 1 screw in the center of the insert panel. Finally, you must carefully pull off the manual door lock slide being careful not to break the plastic tabs on it. Once all these screws are removed you must lift the panel up and out as it sits on a metal ledge on the top of the door frame.
Once off you can unplug the door lock plug and remove the 2 screws holding the switch in place.
The most difficulty you will have is getting the manual door lock slide back in place. I have found that if you tie a 6" string on it, you can more easily fish it back through the small opening in the door panel.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Toronto(Don Mills) Ontario
You have to remove the door panel to properly get to the door lock switch. The wiring plug must be removed from the switch, but it has 5 prongs on it and it can be a little difficult to get off.
To take the door panel off you must remove the 7 screws along the bottom edge of the panel, the top side screw on the edge of the door by the door catch, the 2 screws down in the hand pull and 1 screw in the center of the insert panel. Finally, you must carefully pull off the manual door lock slide being careful not to break the plastic tabs on it. Once all these screws are removed you must lift the panel up and out as it sits on a metal ledge on the top of the door frame.
Once off you can unplug the door lock plug and remove the 2 screws holding the switch in place.
The most difficulty you will have is getting the manual door lock slide back in place. I have found that if you tie a 6" string on it, you can more easily fish it back through the small opening in the door panel.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
To take the door panel off you must remove the 7 screws along the bottom edge of the panel, the top side screw on the edge of the door by the door catch, the 2 screws down in the hand pull and 1 screw in the center of the insert panel. Finally, you must carefully pull off the manual door lock slide being careful not to break the plastic tabs on it. Once all these screws are removed you must lift the panel up and out as it sits on a metal ledge on the top of the door frame.
Once off you can unplug the door lock plug and remove the 2 screws holding the switch in place.
The most difficulty you will have is getting the manual door lock slide back in place. I have found that if you tie a 6" string on it, you can more easily fish it back through the small opening in the door panel.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 11,628
Likes: 1
From: Sherwood, Arkansas
I don't know about the 86's but on my 92 there is a screw behind the power window switch also. BTW, on my 92 all you have to remove is the center plate around the door opener pull. I had my off this weekend looking at that very item.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 127
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The switch will fit in the new bezel. It just snaps in and there is only one way it will go in (one corner is angled). The bezel actually snaps over the switch. The bezel is held in place by 2 screws. Always had the door panel off when I was working on my switches but not necessary and Angelofdeath's suggestion is a lot easier.
Sounds like someone who knows. I thought there might be more to it than one would initially suppose. I bought a new switch Plate(escutcheon?), p/n 20401575, to go with the new Switch, #10092804, but at a quick look at these new pieces, I can't see how, in any direction, this new Switch can fit into the new Plate?? Is there some trick to this? Or maybe the new switch can go into the old plastic switch-Plate,if I manage not to break it on disassembly? Thanks for the info!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Toronto(Don Mills) Ontario
The switch will fit in the new bezel. It just snaps in and there is only one way it will go in (one corner is angled). The bezel actually snaps over the switch. The bezel is held in place by 2 screws. Always had the door panel off when I was working on my switches but not necessary and Angelofdeath's suggestion is a lot easier.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Probably. But if you use a screw driver to gently pry it up on all sides, it will come out with not too much effort. Make sure that the switch does not have power to it when prying because you can make a pretty good spark if you jump 2 of the prongs.
Doh!! Yes, of course it does snap in to the switch plate, which will then bolt/screw on to the back(?) of the door panel. Looking at the back of the switch, I'm guessing that getting the old(21 years!) wire connector off the old switch, and then onto the new switch copper pins, is a possible PITA!? Will a little silicone grease lube/spray help ease the operation? Once again, much thanks!
