Install light bar switch

Let me ask this simple question.

My son installed a light bar and needs to install the light bar switch in the blank spot down on the bottom row beneath the AC controls, close to the cigarette lighter.

How do I get access to remove the blank switch and to fish the wire to that location.

Thank you,
b

 

Start by opening the center console and pulling up the carpeted plastic piece in the bottom, remove the two 10mm bolts.

Grab your cup holder and pull up firmly (auto trans may be slightly different but manual trans just pops right out) there are two coarse philips screws attaching the mid console trim piece to the center console arm rest box.

Remove your center console armrest.

At the front of the mid section of center console you may have to remove more trim pieces that should just pop off or pry off (gently) and there should be two coarse philips pead screws attaching it to the forward most lower dash pieces then that middle console piece should slide back with a litside to side rocking and lift up over the gearshift.

The last piece with the blanks should just rock a bit and pull out of there.

This is all said with my only hands on experience being with a 2nd gen manual but 3rds and autos should be VERY similar.

You *might* have to pull the AC knob panel out, use a thin plastic trim tool at the bottom corners to pry out and it should pop out with a little slack from the cables disconnect the cables to remove and there might be two 10mm head bolts there holding the lower trim piece to a backer bar over the amplifier but I don't rightly remember. Been a while since I've had to pull all that out.

There is not much room back there due to the amplifier and another computer directly behind those switch blanks.

I forget their there most of the time. Even the A-Trac one which would have helped A LOT had I remember it...

Remember with great lumens comes great responsibility.

DON'T BE A DICK WITH THE LIGHT BAR.

 

There are about 15 interior pieces that need to be removed to get that panel out, including, climate control, radio, rocker trim panel, kick panel, left side lower dash panel, complete console, etc.

If you try to just pry the switch blank out with a screwdriver, you WILL mar up the panel.

Many people here have just ran a sheet metal screw or wood screw into the blank and pulled the blank right out.

 

^^^^ This

 

X3

A long zip tie is an excellent tool to feed wires, just tape the wire to the zip tie.

Make sure near the pedals and steering column no loose wires are hanging around. Other than that it's straightforward.

 

This is all great info so far. Thank you.

Is there a better place to order the light bar switch from that might fit that blank also?

If I pull the switch out w/ a sheet metal screw will I have to take apart every thing like mentioned above or will I just be able to fish it through w/ a long zip tie?

 

A long zip tie works really good. If you're feeding wires blind you need to know where heater doors are because they move. Google images is great for finding out where those doors are in a image of a heater box.

 

You can order custom switches from either CH4X4 or Onboard Air. Make sure you pick the correct switch size. The ones left of the steering column are a different size than the ones below the climate control.

 

Ordered the switch from CH4X4 and installed the light bar switch today. Thank you all for the solid advice.

thank you,
b

 

Turning this into a zombie thread.......

I know it's been a few years on this one.

I have that exact same dash trim piece that I will be installing my 07 DCSB. What specific size/part number switches did you order to fit in those slots?

thanks!
Dave