aquablue96

After a bath this weekend the blue beauty decided that the driver door is ajar even when it isnt. Tried a few things to adjust it but thinking i just need a new switch. Is the switch something you can just unplug and replace or does the door panel have to come off?

onedef92

You have to remove the entire door panel assembly on my '92. Easy from there, though. Plug-n-play. They run about $20 or less at most dealers.

aquablue96

A little worried about removing door panel, every other vehicle i have ever owner once the door panel is off never quite fits right again, rattles etc. Suggestions to make sure it is done right? Also, seems the PO drilled out the holes the switch (button) was in and now it has screws that are just too big, thinking that is part of the reason button doesnt depress all the way. Can this be fixed?

onedef92

A healthy door ajar switch will have the metal nipple sticking all the way out. They gradually wear down to the point they don't contact properly and replacement is your only option.

Before removing the door panel, the best advice I can give you is to remove the panel carefully and order the Screw & Nylon Insert Kit for door panels from Mid-America Motoworks (MAM).

The inserts tend to break when you uncrew them from age and fatigue and it's all too easy to loose those black, metal screws. It's $9.99 plus shipping.

http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette?frame=1.967

aquablue96

Great advice, thanks cant seem to find a screw and nylon kit for a 96? Think they made one?


Is there a way to disable the door ajar light, interior lights etc until i can replace it? Makes it a pain to drive this way!

RRT vette

I replaced the door ajar switch on my 95 without removing the door panel. You have to be careful. Tighten the bottom screw just a bit to make sure it is tight. I then removed the top screw. You will need to have something (closehanger bent just right) to hold the plate on the back side/ inside of the door. There is a plate on the back side that will fall if your not just right with it.

Give it a try, if the plate falls just take the door panel off and do it that way.

RRT vette

You can bypass this switch, but you have to get to the connector inside the door. I'm not sure just disconnecting will make the lights go out, but I don't think it will.

Red Dwarf

Try this

Lower screw..replace with a longer screw started into retainer to hold retaining plate in place.

Remove upper screw.

Pull switch outward & rotate to expose upper screw hole.

Reinstall upper screw to hold retainer.

Remove lower screw.

Pull switch outward & depress harness lock tab to allow passage of switch & harness thru opening.

Switch from harness.

Install or connect.........

Switch to harness.

Switch & harness into door.

Long screw thru switch & lower door screw hole into retainer.

Remove upper screw.

Rotate switch & install upper screw thru switch into retainer..

Remove lower screw & replacw with original.


Switch will adjust the first time you close the door.. Be firm, but donot slam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RRT vette

Sounds like a better idea than mine.

NEVRL8T

This is probably the best advice in this thread so far.

wmupaprmkr

I think teh first time I did mine on my 92 the inside of the plug fell back into the door panel so i ended up having to take teh panel off. It went back together just fine.
Good luck!

NEVRL8T

I have a gap at the top of BOTH my panels now. In the spot where the always dreaded "flap" occurs. All the ribs in my doors are perfect too, so I don't know what the problem is.

aquablue96

And what if there is no retaining clip ? I took out the one oversized screw that was holding the button in place and there is nothing behind it?

onedef92

I would call first to be sure.

I think if you pull the COURTESY fuse in your fuse box (located on passenger side of dash) it will disable the door ajar switches.

onedef92

The 95 switches are different that the 92 ones. They have a different style connector and are longer, too, if memory serves.

Still, your technique sounds good and I will try it next time I have to replace my door ajar switch. Thanks!