Cruse Control Button Cover

[bonnich]

Last night I noticed that the light in the cruse button on the Steering wheel was out just on one side. so I took the rubber cover off and replaced the light. it works now but I can't get the rubber cover back on. is their a trick to it? I can't figure it out.

thanks
Adam

 

[Robert]

The easiest way to replace the light (and get the rubber button cover back on) is by removing the entire switch assembly. Start by disconnecting your battery and wait at least 5 minutes. Next pop out the two round plastic covers on the side of the steering wheel. Next remove the two screws (one under each plastic cover) that hold your air-bag in. With the screws removed you can pull your air-bag out and put it on top of the steering column or just disconnect the connector and put it someplace out of the way. You will now have access to the two philips screws that hold your switch on. Remove the two screws and the switch will come out. It will now be much easier to put the rubber cover back on. The whole procedure only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

 

[bonnich]

it still sounds like a lot of work to replace a little light.

 

[Robert]

I guess the alternative would be to have the cruise control buttons like my Wife's '93 Mercury Sable. Even though I've memorized where they are, I just like the looks of my Explorer's lighted cruise buttons. I don't mind having to spend 15 minutes every 5 years to replace the burned out bulb to have the lights. Just replace them both at the same time when one fails and you should be good to go for another 5 years.

 

[Stephen S]

It is possible to get the rubber covers back on without removing the airbag or the switches. I have done it 3 times on each switch!

I will admit, it's pretty tough and frustrating to get them back on. You'll just have to keep working at it. The little lip all the way around the inside back of the button needs to actually clip around the circuit board. It does not slip on very easily. I found it helpful to start on the airbag side and work that side under the circuit board. Then twist, press, fold, and bend the other side and top and bottom corners into place. A light lubricant on the inside lip of the button might make things go a little easier for you. Good liuck.

 

[Robert]

I initially tried putting my rubber covers back on without removing the air-bag. What got me to remove the air-bag was pushing the connector inside the wheel. When I had been fighting with the rubber cover for about 30 minutes at the time. I pulled the air-bag off to get the connector back out. When I did, I said to myself "duh, I knew there had to be an easier way to do this".

 

[Rodney]

Has anybody got the part number for the bulb in the Head light switch.It is like the one in the Cruise buttun but longer. Same one also in the 4x4 selector switch, thanks alot,