C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Pass Door Interior Light Switch question

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Old Nov 3, 2009 | 09:47 AM
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Default Pass Door Interior Light Switch question

My 95 LT1's Passenger Door has been giving me a headache. The switch that's for the interior lights isn't working right. I sprayed it down with some electrical cleaner and it worked for about a month. Now it's back to it's old games and seems to be not working right.

Usually just replacing the switch take care of the problem? How the heck do these go bad? All they do is go in and out.
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Old Nov 3, 2009 | 11:02 AM
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If the switch is not worn out/down from age/use there is also the possibility that water water has gotten into the switch over the years and caused contact issues. Using contact cleaner on a plastic enclosed switch is a bad idea as it can crack the plastic or make the plastic switch body brittle and/or fragile. I'd replace the switch at this point.

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Old Nov 3, 2009 | 11:11 AM
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Thanks Engle. I will most likely do that. I am getting sick of using my battery cut-off for this problem!
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Old Nov 3, 2009 | 02:39 PM
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Before buying a new swtich, make sure you have clean, tights contacts on the existing one. Use a volt meter to determine if you're getting power to the switch.
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Old Nov 3, 2009 | 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by garychurchill
My 95 LT1's Passenger Door has been giving me a headache. The switch that's for the interior lights isn't working right. I sprayed it down with some electrical cleaner and it worked for about a month. Now it's back to it's old games and seems to be not working right.

Usually just replacing the switch take care of the problem? How the heck do these go bad? All they do is go in and out.
The door switches are cheaply made.I replaced both of mine since I had the door panels off & because the interior lights would not come on when driver side door was opened.One of the parts didn't work properly right out of the box.The push-in part popped out & these were AC Delco parts!Replace the switch & check to make sure wiring to switch is not rubbed though anywhere inside door.Plus the switch was only about $16.00.I would also check weatherstripping on door(s) while door panels are off.My weatherstipping on my doors was worn & ripped so I replaced both switches & both door weatherstrips.Now my doors shut with a better sound(not so hollow & tinny) but it does take more pressure to close them but it will get easier as the weatherstrip wears.See how "while I am there" gets pricey.By the way-the only way to replace door weatherstrip is with door panel off.I am still saving for new door panels &will have some parts of new door panel covered in suede.

Last edited by 94vettelover2; Nov 3, 2009 at 03:34 PM.
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Old Nov 3, 2009 | 04:44 PM
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Suede? Damn, that's fancy!!!
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Old Nov 3, 2009 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by garychurchill
Suede? Damn, that's fancy!!!
Plus it will have that nice smell insideAfter that some nice racing seats covered in suede or similar type of fabric(synthetic).
Want my car to be alittle different.I love this car & plan on keeping it forever-this is unusual as I get sick of cars quickly,but these later C4s are awesome(my opinion & no disrespect to other C4 owners).I love everything about my car except chassis stiffness which I partly addressed.
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Old Nov 3, 2009 | 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by garychurchill
My 95 LT1's Passenger Door has been giving me a headache. The switch that's for the interior lights isn't working right. I sprayed it down with some electrical cleaner and it worked for about a month. Now it's back to it's old games and seems to be not working right.

Usually just replacing the switch take care of the problem? How the heck do these go bad? All they do is go in and out.
with previous member on all points, they are very poorly made... Suggest trying the NAPA brand as I had same problems with the ACDelco brand.

Also, suggest replacing both door switches as if passenger side is bad, driver side isn't far behind, especially since the alarm and the PKE system depends on both switches operating correctly.

Good news though, the switches can be replaced WITHOUT taking the door apart. They can be replaced right through their hole -- procedure is in the FSM or post back and we'll type it out for you...

Last thought, once installed, only GENTLY close the door so that it self adjusts the adjustable 'nose' (i.e. don't slam the door), but if it pushes in too far, a couple of small rubber o-rings (napa again) will keep it sticking out -- also only lube the switches with vaseline, anything else will swell the plastic and increase the sticking of the plunger.

Last edited by theadmiral94; Nov 3, 2009 at 11:13 PM.
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Old Nov 4, 2009 | 03:16 PM
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how do you install without removing the door panel? There's a gasket behind my switch that is a pain in the a** to get back flush so the screws will start into it.

I'll have to hit Napa up!!!
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Old Nov 4, 2009 | 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by garychurchill
how do you install without removing the door panel? There's a gasket behind my switch that is a pain in the a** to get back flush so the screws will start into it.

I'll have to hit Napa up!!!
There is a plate that the screws screw into that can fall onto bottom of door that is located on other side(inside door).This is what I remember.Napa does have some good parts,knowedgeable people & products.I'm sure those FSMs are nice to have & I plan on getting one someday but its better in my opinion to ask people here who have done the projects/questions you are asking.
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Old Nov 4, 2009 | 07:06 PM
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From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
Default 'Door Ajar Indicator Switch' Removal (94 FSM 10-6-7)

The procedure is pretty easy and once you read it below you'll likely say 'oh dah'...

The bracket behind/inside the door is a metal bracket which is threaded to receive the screws from the switch and only need be loosely held in place during replacement to prevent it from sliding down the switch's wire forcing door dis-assembly to retrieve.

1. Remove lower screw. Replace with a longer screw (e.g. GM P/N 11503397 or equivalent) started (screwed) into retainer to hold retainer from dropping into door.

2. Remove upper screw.

3. Pull switch (slightly) outward and rotate switch to expose upper screw hole.

4. Reinstall upper screw to hold retainer.

5. Remove (longer) lower screw.

6. Pull switch outward and depress (but don't disconnect) harness lock tab to allow passage of switch and harness through the openning (gently work it out, try to not damage fiberglass or paint as the size of the hole is 'just' enough to all the electrical connector to pass through it).

6. Remove (unplug) switch from harness.

To install, reverse above procedure.
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