Where to buy new headlamp dashboard switch? (year 2000)

[Chancellor Todd]

Hi All,

I always use the twighlight sentinel system, so I'm thinking my headlamp and parking light switches died of neglect -- they're both stuck in the on position (spring button type).

I am going to call a local Buick dealer tomorrow, but I thought I'd ask here as well. My trouble is I can't identify a part number, and google searches aren't coming up with much. Here's some pictures:



-The number on the side in white appears to be 0116A
-The number on the back above the pins (not really visible in the picture) is 25697958
-And the number in the upper right on the back is > PA66-GF33 <

When googling that 2569 number, all that came up was this: http://eric5595.myweb.hinet.net/Headlight%20Switch%20.htm

Googling something like "2000 buick headlight switch" found this: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1358018&parttype=4472&a =FRc1358018k942474

That's more than I paid for a new battery today!

Thanks for your time and attention.

[polarzak]

Same thing happened to our LeSabre. MY wife never uses the button, and when I replaced a headlight I wanted to check to see if the light worked. Pressed the button and it stayed on. Would not pop out. Took 10 minutes or so working with a thin screwdriver, and it finally popped out. Since it is not used, and knowing GM would want to probably want to sell me an entire dash, and perhaps a windshield, just to get a switch, I never bothered to price or get one. You might get on at the auto wreckers or if you go to the dealer, I am sure they will have the correct part number.

[Chancellor Todd]

Originally Posted by polarzak

Same thing happened to our LeSabre. MY wife never uses the button, and when I replaced a headlight I wanted to check to see if the light worked. Pressed the button and it stayed on. Would not pop out. Took 10 minutes or so working with a thin screwdriver, and it finally popped out. Since it is not used, and knowing GM would want to probably want to sell me an entire dash, and perhaps a windshield, just to get a switch, I never bothered to price or get one. You might get on at the auto wreckers or if you go to the dealer, I am sure they will have the correct part number.

Thanks, sir! I think you just saved me a lot of time and trouble. I spent all my time trying to get at the buttons from behind, that I didn't really fiddle with the buttons themselves. (There is a circuit board behind there that prevents you from getting to the rear of the buttons.)

I got them out, I think, and hopefully it solved the problem. If you apply the slightest pressure, the lights go on, but I think it's in a usable state now. I'll conduct more tests after work tonight.

Thanks again.

[Pirat3]

Found one on eBay for $62 after shipping. Still pretty steep. I'd suggest going to a salvage yard and trying to find one there. You may be able to just buy the buttons instead of the whole unit as the heat from the three LEDs has probably warped the buttons causing them to not fit so smoothly.

To replace the buttons:
-Remove the wood grain panel that houses the unit by pulling straight out (it's attached by two clips so it should pop right off)
-Unplug the unit
-Remove the screw holding the unit onto it's woodish frame
-Pull the two sliders on the front straight out. You may need to slide something under and behind them for leverage
-Pry the back off by pushing out on the outside case where the tabs are holding it in place. There are only four tabs and you really only need to focus on two of them as the other two will let go once you get the first two.
-Slide this back plate straight off as to not bend the prongs for the plug
-The circuit board slides right out
-The buttons are held in place by a plastic clip on either side. You will have to push them outward (gently!) and push the buttons out from behind.

If anybody finds a supplier of the buttons, please share!