How do i install Door Jam Switch
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 665
Likes: 2
From: Southington CT
How do i install Door Jam Switch
going to the dealer to pick up the door jam switch but couldn't find much searching in the forum. i understand its easy but if anyone has anything they would like to share it would be helpful. might sneak out during lunch today and intall it. its been a real pain in the neck pulling fuses and recharging my battery. and oh, no radio :withstupid:
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Richmond VA
Re: How do i install Door Jam Switch (merplastic87)
Ecklers is now selling these door jam sensors for 11.99. You may want to pickup a spare as they are typical GM plastic garbage. The dealership replaced 4 in ONE DAY on my Vette....3 were bad from the factory....I personally have replaced 5 of them....2 of them were bad from the factory.
The only way to replace them reliably is to remove the door panel....there is a small plastic piece on the rear of the switch inside the door.....if you try to replace the sensor from the outside this plastic piece will just fall down inside the door.
This website has all the screw locations for the door panel:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/marcho/door_panel.html
The first time I did it took 2 hours.....even with the website saved on my laptop and knowing all the screw locations.....the 2nd time took about 30 mins...now I can change one in 10 minutes:lol:
The only way to replace them reliably is to remove the door panel....there is a small plastic piece on the rear of the switch inside the door.....if you try to replace the sensor from the outside this plastic piece will just fall down inside the door.
This website has all the screw locations for the door panel:
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/marcho/door_panel.html
The first time I did it took 2 hours.....even with the website saved on my laptop and knowing all the screw locations.....the 2nd time took about 30 mins...now I can change one in 10 minutes:lol:
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Re: How do i install Door Jam Switch (merplastic87)
I had to replace one on my '94 and it took me about an hour or so to change it out. (that includes removing the interior panel) The one thing you have to remember is that there is a backing plate on the inside of the door panel. (that's what the retaining screws attach to so the switch won't come loose) I lost one of mine because I didn't know that up front! I bought my switch from Mid America for about $10. Once it arrived I found out it was defective (the plunger would bind and not depress properly), I called Mid America and they had a replacement out without any hassle.
I just noticed Bodhi mentioned the backing plate in his message. Mine wasn't plastic but metal, so there might have been a change in the production run for this.
[Modified by Thanatos69, 2:09 PM 8/12/2003]
I just noticed Bodhi mentioned the backing plate in his message. Mine wasn't plastic but metal, so there might have been a change in the production run for this.
[Modified by Thanatos69, 2:09 PM 8/12/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,178
Likes: 1
From: Bahston Mass.
Re: How do i install Door Jam Switch (merplastic87)
Ahhh.. My next little project.. Every other day, this switch doesn't want to work.. I figure while the door panel has to come off, I can figure out why it's a little lose!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 665
Likes: 2
From: Southington CT
Re: How do i install Door Jam Switch (Jbaker)
well its all done. passenger side switch is installed and working fine. dealer only had 1 switch so i'll order another one from one of the catalogs. i approached the switch replacement with the intent of removing the panel but i read somewhere in the forum that it could be done with a long screw to temporarily hold the assembly inside the door while you put the new switch in. i tried it and it worked but may have been a bit lucky. my suggestion would be to try the "screw method" but be prepared to take the panel off because its really hit or miss in my opinion. its amazing how much grief that little switch can cause.
