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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Suburbans => Topic started by: dsimonl on September 09, 2010, 11:41:40 pm

Title: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: dsimonl on September 09, 2010, 11:41:40 pm
It's the switch that turns the dome light off when the rear barn door is closed.  Where do I find a replacement?  '91 suburban
Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: beastie_3 on September 10, 2010, 12:45:14 am
I dont have a burb, but I would think its the same as the other doors. If so, they are available everywhere. Check the misc parts row at the auto store or google it and pick any site.
Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: dsimonl on September 10, 2010, 08:57:43 am
No, it is totally different.  It is a long rectangular piece with a square flap that folds out at a 45deg angle when the door opens.  It is grayed out in the   catalog.
Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: Lt.Del on September 10, 2010, 01:24:17 pm
it is black on sits in the right hand barn door sill....at least that's were my 91 sub switch is.  I'd gladly remove mine and give it to ya if I am sure I would never use it again, but, I hate when the light comes on each time the door opens.....I leave my doors open all the time and hate the fact my battery is draining each time it is left open while playing in the yard, camping, or whatever.

To answer your question, salvage yard.  I may go to one in the next week or two---I love going to them---just pick parts off wrecked vehicles and pay pennies on the dollar for parts.

Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: dsimonl on September 10, 2010, 08:27:14 pm
If you find one PLEASE let me know.  I'll reimburse you for the part and shipping.  It is fastened with 2 phillips screws, and has a single wire connected behind it. 

Thanks!!!!!
Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: 454ss on September 10, 2010, 08:31:38 pm
Got a pic? Other vehicles like vans may have them as well.
Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: 454ss on September 10, 2010, 08:35:01 pm
it is black on sits in the right hand barn door sill....at least that's were my 91 sub switch is.  I'd gladly remove mine and give it to ya if I am sure I would never use it again, but, I hate when the light comes on each time the door opens.....I leave my doors open all the time and hate the fact my battery is draining each time it is left open while playing in the yard, camping, or whatever.

You could do what I will be doing. Wiring in a switch to shut off the interior lights. I will be using one from a 1993-96 FWD GM van.
Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: Lt.Del on September 10, 2010, 10:19:03 pm
yeah, i thought about that--wiring a toggle or something to kill the circuit ---may do that. I keep the door open all the time and do everything around, in, under, above the sub and hate to have to kill the battery cuz doors stay open.  I'm trying to figure out, why is there one wire?  Unless it controls the ground and the switch is grounded and when closed, it kills the ground circuit going to lights...is that right?.

(http://www.delbridge.net/sublight1.jpg)


(http://www.delbridge.net/sublight2.jpg)
Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: 454ss on September 10, 2010, 10:53:33 pm
I'm trying to figure out, why is there one wire?  Unless it controls the ground and the switch is grounded and when closed, it kills the ground circuit going to lights...is that right?.

Yes sir.
Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: dsimonl on September 11, 2010, 12:01:16 am
+1 on the ground circuit

Great photos.  That's the switch I need!!

Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on September 11, 2010, 09:17:05 am
If you just end up not being able to find one, it looks a lot like the door light switch on a refrigerator...  You might can get one of those, it would take some research but it looks very doable.
Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: Lt.Del on September 11, 2010, 10:07:08 am
i would think a fridge switch is a two wire.  Also, the switch may not be groundable like what is needed in the truck....screws ground the switch through the metal of the switch and screw holes.   I guess you can run a ground wire and hook up to the two wires of the fridge switch to kind of close the ground circuit.
just my non-professional opinion...kind of thinking out loud.  But something to consider.
Title: Re: Broken cargo door light switch
Post by: dsimonl on September 17, 2010, 08:57:42 pm
I found one!  I went to a junk yard and found one on a Suburban with a regular tailgate.  Same switch. 

I took it home and installed it.  It didn't work.  Crap!!!!  Since I had nothing to lose, I soaked the whole switch in contact cleaner for a while and reinstalled it.  Still nothing.  I exercised the switch a few times...there was a sickening arcing sound inside the switch........and it worked.  After many on/off cycles it still works!! 

Hopefully it will last.  Thanks everyone.