Author Topic: Fog Light Button (Read 7314 times)

EarthNTX · « **on:** August 03, 2012, 09:01:00 PM »

So...am I assuming correctly that if the button doesn't light up when pressed, it's broken, right? The fog lights haven't worked since last year. I checked the fuse and that fuse relay thing (not sure what to check for on that thing)... the fuse itself is okay.

I think the previous owner kept hitting that button to turn on the lights because there are small scratches in that area, maybe from fingernails or something.

I want this fixed and am NOT afraid to try it!

tazz · « **Reply #1 on:** August 03, 2012, 10:03:01 PM »

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2006-09-GENUINE-PONTIAC-SOLSTICE-FOG-LIGHT-SWITCH-15850572-/221036488131

EarthNTX · « **Reply #2 on:** August 03, 2012, 10:07:06 PM »

That is NOT expensive at all..!!! thanks!

TomatoSoup · « **Reply #3 on:** August 03, 2012, 10:19:49 PM »

Check the fog light bulbs too... make sure they're OK.

Critterman · « **Reply #4 on:** August 03, 2012, 11:02:47 PM »

Which fuse did you check? The number 43 sticks in my mind. There have been issues with fog lights not working you might do a search.

EarthNTX · « **Reply #5 on:** August 04, 2012, 08:59:04 AM »

Yeah, well it's not a big emergency and I found a link at the solsticeforum about foglights.
http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f12/anyone-have-problems-fog-lights-10381/

So, I'll just wait and save $$ to get this fixed eventually. I just was hoping for a quick fix.

I think it was fuse 53. I read the manual last night but I was very sleepy to retain anything.

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #6 on:** August 04, 2012, 11:54:40 AM »

If that is the only light out on the dash and the fogs looks ok, my guess it someone had the dash apart and forgot to plug in the connector for the fog lights. The connector is probably just sitting back there all lonely wondering what it did so wrong to be so unloved. When you pull the dash apart, you may need a grief councilor on hand, but plug the little sucker back in and everything will be dandy.

I have no idea why I would come up with such a thought. Im sure I would never put the entire dash back together after installing the heated seat switches only to realize I forgot the fog light connector.

TomatoSoup · « **Reply #7 on:** August 04, 2012, 12:03:20 PM »

I hate to say it, but GJ might have a point. Plus, with a Sol, you don't have to take the whole dash off to check... just pull the gauge rings off, and then pull the gauge tunnels (BE CAREFUL not to dislodge/lose the rubber bumpers off the posts on the inside edges of the tunnels!). Then you should be able to reach in around the back of the switch to check. 10 minute job.

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #8 on:** August 04, 2012, 02:51:14 PM »

GJ- not just another pretty face....

EarthNTX · « **Reply #9 on:** August 04, 2012, 06:20:46 PM »

OH??? Well, that's interesting. Thanks to both of ya.

The dude that owned it before me abused the car because it was going to be repossessed. It was auctioned off...I think he drove the hell out of it and that is why I needed a brand new engine (last year installed)..and his screwing around behind the dash wouldn't surprise me at all.

I'm going to attempt taking out those tunnels. Just promise me I won't get shocked, ok? I am very aware of those rubber bumpers (from reading threads here) and I'm sure some are missing because they kinda squeak now and then.

I'm going to google what the back of that dash should look like so I have an idea of where to stick my fingers. I'm not paranoid..just...um..okay..I don't want a shock. I won't get one, right???

EarthNTX · « **Reply #10 on:** August 04, 2012, 07:09:43 PM »

Got the chrome rings off in a sec, but those tunnels seem to be stuck in there with crazy glue. I'm assuming the tunnels are one unit. Anyway, I wiggled, yanked but they seem stuck. I'll try it again when it's not so hot.

EarthNTX · « **Reply #11 on:** August 04, 2012, 08:32:02 PM »

I just had to do it. Got the tunnels out. They were siliconed in - jerk who owned it. Anyway, there's only one rubber bumper on it and none fell out..grr I see the wire and it IS connected to the button.

Question: if I turn the ignition ON, can I push that fog light button to see if it works? Or do I have to have the car running, or....?

Critterman · « **Reply #12 on:** August 04, 2012, 09:17:24 PM »

ignition on it should work. you can make your own little rubber baby bumpers. Take the one you have and go to a parts place Find their vacuum hoses, match the diameter and buy the smallest length you can. then cut new bumpers from that using the one you have as a template.

EarthNTX · « **Reply #13 on:** August 04, 2012, 09:30:47 PM »

Brilliant. Thanks.

Tomorrow I'm going to check the bulbs. I looked at them and they look clear but you never know. Also, I want to take that switch out. I assume it's fed in by the front, right? I tried removing it, but there must be something to lock it into place. I'll play with it tomorrow.

Sorry to bug y'all..but I'm new at this you know.

EarthNTX · « **Reply #14 on:** August 04, 2012, 10:27:50 PM »

One thing I've noticed..that button doesn't seem to have resistance..you know, when you push it, you would feel like it's 'on'? I think the switch is caput! I ordered one from amazon for 14.99 free shipping and it should be here next week. I'm excited now!

Sly Bob · « **Reply #15 on:** August 04, 2012, 10:30:53 PM »

You're not bugging us. We love this stuff, that's why we're here.

If you lost 3 of the rubber bumpers, don't be surprised if you find them on the floor in a few days. I lost 3 of mine a few years ago when I was pulling the piece off and in a few days they were on the floor by my feet.

EarthNTX · « **Reply #16 on:** August 04, 2012, 10:45:17 PM »

I shall look tomorrow when it's daylight with the help of a flashlight. And..if I don't see any, I'll go to an autopart store on Monday and buy that vacuum hose Critterman suggested to use.

I thank you and yeah..we love our cars, don't we? I sure do. and I am very curious in general and like to learn.

EarthNTX · « **Reply #17 on:** August 04, 2012, 10:46:32 PM »

I just need someone to tell me how to remove the old switch? I thought maybe I'd have to turn it counterclock wise or something like that.

Can ya tell me how please and thank you..

Gentleman Jack · « **Reply #18 on:** August 04, 2012, 11:23:23 PM »

Quote from: EarthNTX on August 04, 2012, 10:46:32 PM

I just need someone to tell me how to remove the old switch? I thought maybe I'd have to turn it counterclock wise or something like that.

Can ya tell me how please and thank you..

If I recall, the switches are latched in. Not sure it is really going to be that easy to take it out without removing the panel. Also, not to try to give the previous owner any props, but I'm sure he siliconed the part in because it was rattling. It is a very common problem and his solution is a good one if you have no intentions of removing them again.

Keep the questions coming.

TomatoSoup · « **Reply #19 on:** August 05, 2012, 09:49:02 AM »

OK, some answers... First the switch:

It's latched-in like GJ said (d*mn - he's right again!) with two little tabs, one at each side (you can see one side's tab pretty clearly on the photo below). It's pretty hard and you'll probably have to take the dash off to get at it enough to remove... push the tabs in enough to release, then pull the switch out from the front like you thought.

BUT!!! the switch is momentary contact ONLY. It doesn't latch on or off so there's no difference in 'feel'. I think it unlikely that it's broken - albeit not impossible (

)

As for the bumpers, the tubing idea is a good one, but I think you'll find all the appropriate tubing might be too wide overall to fit in when you reinstall the tunnels. Another suggestion is to get some silicone caulk (clear is fine, or black) and put a little blob on the ends of the posts. Wait for it to harden, and there you go - custom tips!

EarthNTX · « **Reply #20 on:** August 05, 2012, 10:53:01 AM »

Thanks for the tip. Yeah, I thought of silicone. Love the stuff! Have a good one.

Critterman · « **Reply #21 on:** August 05, 2012, 07:09:31 PM »

TS-You doubt the doctor of garage fixes, his highness, Sir DeepBlue of GXP?

Shame on you. This is his fix

Sly Bob · « **Reply #22 on:** August 05, 2012, 07:57:37 PM »

The OEM bumpers or "insulators" are quite expensive for what they are. Nalley has them here but GM uses them on just about every car that they ever built from what I can see so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding them I wouldn't think. The GM part number is 25603681.

http://parts.nalleygmc.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=389905&ukey_make=1030&ukey_model=14651&modelYear=2008&ukey_category=19401&ukey_trimLevel=15563

GMpartsgiant has them for cheaper.

The vaccum hose would likely be a better bet. Certainly cheaper, at least by a few bucks.

TomatoSoup · « **Reply #23 on:** August 05, 2012, 08:06:57 PM »

Quote from: Critterman on August 05, 2012, 07:09:31 PM

TS-You doubt the doctor of garage fixes, his highness, Sir DeepBlue of GXP?

Verily Sir, I beg your indulgence and grovel at the foot of his most holy. I shall quickly return to the hovel I came from. For I am not worthy.

EarthNTX · « **Reply #24 on:** August 05, 2012, 08:11:54 PM »

Oh for crying out loud..

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Author Topic: Fog Light Button (Read 7314 times)