Replacing steering wheel controls - easy.

[malmed]

I was scared to try, but went ahead and bought new steering wheel controls and replaced them... Super easy, pop the old one out, remove the wire connector, replace it and pop it back in.
I replaced 2 of them for $35, doorman off ebay, and they work perfectly and the lights look right at night.

 

[Firm]

How did you pop the old ones out? The last time I read up on this it involved removing the air bag??

 

[HiHoeSilver]

How did you pop the old ones out? The last time I read up on this it involved removing the air bag??

You can just work them out with a screwdriver. Ususlly you can get them out far enough to unclip the harness. It's putting the new ones in that can get tricky. Sometimes you get enough wire to just clip them as it sounds like happened for the OP. Other times, removing the air bag (also easy) will give you that tiny extra bit of slack you need.

There is also the fishing line trick to seat the new ones if you need to.

 

[malmed]

Mine were really easy, I used a thin metal 'blade' 2 of them, I would suggest 2 butter knives, gently pry them one at a time, and slide em out, careful not to break the wiring clip, unclip the wire, clip it back into the new one, push em back in....
I was scared because I had read that you had to removed air bag too, but after watching a youtube video, I did it, and it was a breeze....

 

[Firm]

Thanks. Mine arn't worn, but the bulbs burnt out in the volume control, would be nice to replace it.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Thanks. Mine arn't worn, but the bulbs burnt out in the volume control, would be nice to replace it.

That's why I did mine. I used the Dorman replacements. FYI, the color of lights is just a hair different from stock, but enough that I soon ordered the other 3. I would just do all 4 and be done if I had to do it again.

 

[Firm]

Thanks for the heads-up, that's what I'll do then. I am sure the others will be burning out soon anyway.

 

[malmed]

I just did my top two, so the slight color difference really isn't noticeable...

 

[Danny3737]

I replaced the bulbs in all of mine. The controls were fairly easy to remove, but I had 2 where the harness wasn't long enough to plug back in. The air bag was super easy to remove to give me access to extend the plugs. Just remember to disconnect the battery first before removing the airbag

 

[treehan77]

the bottom ones are a pia. use the fishing line or weed eater line to hold them out and plug in. top ones are usually not too big of a deal

 

[JakeO625]

the bottom ones are a pia. use the fishing line or weed eater line to hold them out and plug in. top ones are usually not too big of a deal

Can you explain the fishing line trick?

 

[treehan77]

Sick the weed eater line between the wires before you disconnect from the button. Keeps write from falling back into the hole, and you can pull it into the new button

 

[Fosscore]

Good tips and maybe put LEDs in while they are out like this.

Here is a write up and more pictures in my build thread.
http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/fosscores-2006-tahoe-build-thread.65729/page-63

 

[partcheck]

What part number for the LEDs? Been searching the forums and lots of talk about putting in colored LEDS but no mention as to what part # for the LED.

 

[Fosscore]

What part number for the LEDs? Been searching the forums and lots of talk about putting in colored LEDS but no mention as to what part # for the LED.

What part number for the LEDs? Been searching the forums and lots of talk about putting in colored LEDS but no mention as to what part # for the LED.

I do not have any part numbers as I actually had them done by a member of the forum after I purchased new buttons on eBay. Not sure if that member is still around anymore. His contact is is @ScottyBoy. You can DM him and see.

Not sure if these guys will do the small stuff as they mostly focus on the gauge cluster, but they have had many happy members here with cluster upgrades to LEDs and HD clusters to include the trans gauge.

Check them out Digital Dash Solutions

https://www.fixmygauges.com

Good luck. Let me know if you need any other info and have fun.

 

[partcheck]

Thank you!

 

[Fosscore]

Thank you!

All good. Welcome.

 

[corvette744]

What part number for the LEDs? Been searching the forums and lots of talk about putting in colored LEDS but no mention as to what part # for the LED.

Their are many places that sell the whole switch assy new and upgraded-or you can buy the kit to do it your self. https://www.usspeedo.com/product/le...-2006-chevrolet-gmc-truck-suv-gas-and-diesel/