Window switches won't install into console

[Timebender]

Hi guys,
I recently got some replacement switches from DMC, and they work great, however when I try to get them into the console, they won't seat all the way- I noticed on my driver's side when looking down in under the center console, that it's bottoming out against some black wood. Are the new DMC ones taller than normal, or is my center console possibly sitting too low?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Yes the new DMC lighted window switches are a little longer. Most people shim the metal plate up with some wood shims.

[DMCMW Dave]

Take out the ash tray. Fabricate a couple of 1-inch thick wooden blocks from a piece of 2x2 lumber. Wedge them forward of the ash tray opening just aft of the switches. Some cars need this more than others, it really depends on how many times someone has climbed over the console to get out the other side. The fiber (paper) of the console is pretty bendy. Sags over time too.

[Timebender]

Oh- makes sense. I can't think of how many times I've just leaned on the console and felt it just give a little. Also, I was hoping to pull out the center section to replace my power port/lighter, as the current one is only showing 4.2 volts when I put a meter on it. I've taken out the rear screws and the ashtray, and the two screws behind the shifter, but the console won't budge - I'm assuming the whole middle of it is supposed to lift up and put away from the sides of the main console itself, correct? Are there any other screws or nuts I should be looking for that are still holding it in place, short of removing the whole console itself?

[DMCMW Dave]

Oh- makes sense. I can't think of how many times I've just leaned on the console and felt it just give a little. Also, I was hoping to pull out the center section to replace my power port/lighter, as the current one is only showing 4.2 volts when I put a meter on it. I've taken out the rear screws and the ashtray, and the two screws behind the shifter, but the console won't budge - I'm assuming the whole middle of it is supposed to lift up and put away from the sides of the main console itself, correct? Are there any other screws or nuts I should be looking for that are still holding it in place, short of removing the whole console itself?

No, the only way to remove the center section is to take the entire console out of the car and turn it over. The console is held in by 4 nuts (2 under the shift plate, 2 under the little tray at the back) and some brackets under the kneepads.

You don't need to remove the console to replace the lighter. Do it all through the ash tray opening.

[Timebender]

You don't need to remove the console to replace the lighter. Do it all through the ash tray opening.

I don't get how, as even with the switches pulled out and plugs out of the way, I can't get my hand past that area to reach the lighter.

Unless it has to be done by someone much smaller than me.

[Gregadeth]

Hi guys,
I recently got some replacement switches from DMC, and they work great, however when I try to get them into the console, they won't seat all the way- I noticed on my driver's side when looking down in under the center console, that it's bottoming out against some black wood. Are the new DMC ones taller than normal, or is my center console possibly sitting too low?

See my post here: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?15...l=1#post217846

I don't get how, as even with the switches pulled out and plugs out of the way, I can't get my hand past that area to reach the lighter.

Unless it has to be done by someone much smaller than me.

If you can't get to it through the ashtray opening, it might be easier to just remove the shifter cover and go in from that side. That's how I did mine.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

Lighter issue notwithstanding if you simply want to solve the too tall switch problem installing a Mattaligner is the ultimate answer. It is a switch alignment panel that;

1) Compensates for the increased height of the DMC reproduction switches
2) Aligns the switchs more securely and precisely than the stock switch console.
3) Provides a color coded armrest pad to prevent accidental engagement of the console switchs.
4) Eliminates the need for the fitting of an inconvenient switch cover plate to prevent accidental switch operation.

Certainly a more comprehensive, though more expensive, solution than blocks of wood. It's also easier to install.
Rob

[jawn101]

+1 to the Mattaligner. Perfect solution to the problem. Was surprised how easily it installed and how thoroughly it corrected the issues. I might have omitted the raised anti-bump lip in a perfect world as it looks a little weird. But its function is clear and it does a good job of it.