Defrost Button Issue
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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From: Atlanta GA
Defrost Button Issue
I have a 2005 coupe. So in the owner's manual it says to defrost the windshield/rear you press the two buttons on the dash (red arrows); however, I can't press those two buttons - they are hard as a rock. Am I missing something? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 129
From: Fairview Heights IL
Sounds like something has gotten in behind the buttons, or into the switches themselves and gummed them up. Maybe a shot of canned air around the edges will blow something out from behind?
Moderator emeritus
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
The 2 buttons right in front of the cup holder that could be the source of genuine RC Cola splashing on the buttons, seeping behind them and locking the buttons in place? Those 2 buttons? Electronic parts cleaner might free them up. They are supposed to move when you push them.
Elmer
Elmer
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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From: Atlanta GA
Thanks guys. I'll try that tonight - I didn't want to break anything.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Thanks, you're probably right!
The 2 buttons right in front of the cup holder that could be the source of genuine RC Cola splashing on the buttons, seeping behind them and locking the buttons in place? Those 2 buttons? Electronic parts cleaner might free them up. They are supposed to move when you push them.
Elmer
Elmer
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From: Biloxi Ms
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Anything to keep a car away from the dealer. Glad WD40 did the trick. It's pretty good at breaking down that kind of thing, and lubricating as well.
Interesting story about the origins of WD40, and what it was intended to do. If you ever get bored look it up. And learn what the WD stands for. Might be a trivia question sometime...Mark
Interesting story about the origins of WD40, and what it was intended to do. If you ever get bored look it up. And learn what the WD stands for. Might be a trivia question sometime...Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Carrollton GA
W. GA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15
I know it's after the fact for some, but I would not use WD 40 to unstick the buttons. Using a thin oil or other liquid to un stick an power button and your asking for an electrical short, which with either blow a fuse or short out the switch.
In the future I would use compressed air to make sure it's not blocked and if still stuck (ala RC Cola) then wait for a warm day ( or use a hair dryer on a low setting) and try to free them up by pushing a little harder .
In the future I would use compressed air to make sure it's not blocked and if still stuck (ala RC Cola) then wait for a warm day ( or use a hair dryer on a low setting) and try to free them up by pushing a little harder .
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 117
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From: Greenville TX
If it doesn't move & should: WD-40.
If it moves & shouldn't: Duct Tape.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Carrollton GA
W. GA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15
Heck that's awesome! 
That stuff is used so many ways I wonder how it would work as a oil vinegrette salad dressing
(note to self, while at Lowes today buy more WD-40).
That stuff is used so many ways I wonder how it would work as a oil vinegrette salad dressing
(note to self, while at Lowes today buy more WD-40).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Yep, many many uses. While I believe it is non-conducive for electrical purposes, I did not mean to suggest soaking the part in WD40. The surface tension, it seems, would cause the WD40 to want to run along the edges of the plastic molding and gravity would pull it downward.
In my head (did not type it) I was envisioning a few light sprays/drops at the top of the starter switch that would allow the WD40 to roll down the sides. The wires/connectors are fairly well concealed behind the switch. Besides, whatever was causing the sticking (RC Cola, whatever) would unlikely get anywhere that the WD40 could not get.
Because of this thread later today I am going to get my ohmmeter and test the conductive properties of WD40.
In my head (did not type it) I was envisioning a few light sprays/drops at the top of the starter switch that would allow the WD40 to roll down the sides. The wires/connectors are fairly well concealed behind the switch. Besides, whatever was causing the sticking (RC Cola, whatever) would unlikely get anywhere that the WD40 could not get.
Because of this thread later today I am going to get my ohmmeter and test the conductive properties of WD40.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 847
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From: Atlanta
I did my test...clearly not a controlled environment but good enough. Stuck my ohmmeter leads in water...the needle moved a little showing some conductivity. I sprayed WD40 in a small cap and did the same. No meter deflection.
Now, start cranking 20000 volts and high amperage maybe a different story.
That's all from me...
Now, start cranking 20000 volts and high amperage maybe a different story.
That's all from me...
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
I did my test...clearly not a controlled environment but good enough. Stuck my ohmmeter leads in water...the needle moved a little showing some conductivity. I sprayed WD40 in a small cap and did the same. No meter deflection.
Now, start cranking 20000 volts and high amperage maybe a different story.
That's all from me...
Now, start cranking 20000 volts and high amperage maybe a different story.
That's all from me...
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 266
From: San Jose California
and we used to spray WD40 directly onto the motor's rotating commutator for both lubrication and cleaning. Never once stopped or hurt a very expensive motor. 
Z//