86.5 rear Hatch Light Switch
01-01-2006, 01:58 PM
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86.5 rear Hatch Light Switch
Hi, the plunger rod on the rear hatch light switch in the receiver just snaped! Anyone know the proceedure for getting this out and replacing it? I have the new part number but can't figure out how to get it out!
Thanks;
BlueMaxx: Prussian Blue
Thanks;
BlueMaxx: Prussian Blue
01-01-2006, 02:34 PM
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Burning Brakes
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If you a re referring to the plunger switch on the bottom of the hatch lock receiver...it just unscrews from threads tapped into the bottom flange of the hatch lock receiver. Unusual, as every nut and fastener on my car is metric, but a 7/16" open end wrench will fit the nut perfectly. Its probably actually 12mm. Anyhoo...once you break loose the nut on the bottom of the lock receiver...it just unscrews and the switch will come out with the nut right into your hand. Now...this switch "looks" like the plunger switch for the door lights...BUT ITS NOT. the plunger is on the inside of the lock receiver, NOT sticking out the bottom, (like the door switches). So.. the best course is to repair your broken one. Its not all that difficult, and is much more satisfying when completed and working...than ordering a replacement, waiting a few days...and then finding out they sent you a DOOR switch, and not what you need. If you can't tell...BTDT. Its not hard to fix, once you have it "in hand"... 
01-01-2006, 03:01 PM
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Wow, took the thing apart like you said and all I got out was a broken PLASTIC plunger. Now I can't figure out how it works. There's a brown/white wire attached to the plastic plunger and a brown wire to the threaded nut. Does theis mean that when the hatch is open the brwn/white and brn make contact and ground out, and when the hatch is closed the brn/wht and brown are disengaged?
01-01-2006, 04:11 PM
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Burning Brakes
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Well...nice to see you're trying. The switch operates, when the Hatch is "opened", ... the Plunger is "Spring Loaded"...and when you open the Hatch, the spring pulls the plunger up and inside the tube the switch is screwed into. This allows the metal piece clamped to the bottom of the plunger....that the Brown and white stripe wire is soldered to...to make contact with the Nut I was telling you to take off to remove the switch. When this contact is made...the interior lights turn on. Close the hatch... contact is broken...interior lights go out.
01-01-2006, 06:44 PM
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Yes... well, now that you mention it...they had to save money somewhere, to compensate for the engineering R&D costs associated with the adjustable pedals currently being debated in another thread here in this forum of enthusiasts. 
