How to remove ASC switch

[Barry Gadd]

The ASC switch was bust when I bought the car and I'd like to replace it but it looks as if I will need to take off some of the centre console to do this.
Has anybody done this already? Is there an easy way without dismantling half the car???
Thanks

 

[jonco]

Do you have an adjacent blanking plate on console. If yes, then prise this out and you should be able push it through from the back with your fingers. (cue BMG and Bonzo).

 

[GazHyde]

Someone mentioned a week or so back about taking the gear lever gaiter out and being able to reach through there.

I managed on my facelift console by levering out a blanking panel as Jonco suggests.

 

[jonco]

Someone mentioned a week or so back about taking the gear lever gaiter out and being able to reach through there..........

Agree that is another access route - on the auto it's easy to lift the surround plate but I don't know about the manual.

 

[jonco]

The ASC switch was bust ..............

Hi @Barry Gadd - an afterthought before you go looking for a replacement -when you say bust - do you mean visually broken or not functioning? The switches on the earlier models look as if they should illuminate but they don't . The warning light is actually in the instrument cluster - does this light briefly illuminate on start-up test?

 

[Barry Gadd]

Hi Jonco,
The warning light does illuminate briefly on start up so,although I haven't yet been in a position to feel if the system works at least the indicator does...
I've attached a photo of the panel. I thought about trying to prise out the adjacent blanking plate but thought it wise to check first.
Will the plate come out without damage if prised with care?
Thanks

 

[GazHyde]

without damage if prised with care

You should be fine, but all plastics will mark to some degree.

Plastic blade would be better than a metal one, something really slim. The clips are top usually top and bottom of the blanking plate, so best to start at those ends.
You could put some electrical tape close around the edge of the blanking panel and pry against that. Couple of layers may be sensible.

The only other option would be to sacrifice a blanking panel by drilling through the middle and then levering it out. Would leave the surround unmarked, but you would need to source a replacement blank.

 

[jonco]

Hi Barry - agree with Gary's comments and also clips are top and bottom and can be a bit flimsy. I have a damaged one in mine with onlyone clip and use a blob of sealant to hold it in.
Looking at your photo, as your switch is well damaged you may wish to try actually levering it out from the front through the damaged section (disconnect electrics first).

 

[Barry Gadd]

Thanks for the tips. As you rightly say, the switch is pretty well knackered so I will drill a couple of small holes top and bottom to try to lever it out without damaging the surrounding panel. I can get a replacement on eBay so hopefully will fix this shortly.
Cheers

 

[Ashbandicoot]

Thanks for the tips. As you rightly say, the switch is pretty well knackered so I will drill a couple of small holes top and bottom to try to lever it out without damaging the surrounding panel. I can get a replacement on eBay so hopefully will fix this shortly.
Cheers

Hi Barry

I have a spare switch, PM me your address and I will get it posted

cheers

Ash

 

[zedonist]

Barry I have an ASC switch, £10 delivered bud, pm me if you want it.

 

[Barry Gadd]

Hi Guys,
I teased out the blanking plate on RHS of ASC switch without any real difficulty. I made up a simple right angled "key" using a short length of 2 or 3mm welding rod and managed to depress the upper internal retaining spring and levered the switch out, again without any real hassle.
Thanks for the offers but I've ordered a replacement switch off eBay. Hopefully all I will need to do is plug in the connection and go.....
Car is going in for it's MOT next Monday. Wish me luck.

 

[t-tony]

It'll be a breeze Barry.

Tony.