Ugh, rear key switch fubar again

[badmix]

This is the second time my rear tailgate key switch is apprently bad, if i put key in, I can lower window but does nothing in the other position.

The switch in the cab does just fine, so I know the motor is good, etc.

Just replace it or is there something I can check for? These are a pain to replace and want to troubleshoot before doing that.

its an 84 K5 if that matters, lol.

 

[dyeager535]

If the cab switch works, then we know whether or not the "safety switch" in the tailgate is bypassed, that isn't a factor either.

All wiring is good then as well, at least from the cab side.

I had mine apart a few years ago, and you can refurbish the switch if its not too far gone. What I saw was that the contacts corrode and don't allow contact. Mine has now failed in both positions (but works with cab switch) so I too am about to tear into mine unfortunately. Along with a bad roller. I suppose the wires/connector on the switch could be bad/problematic, it's kind of a flimsy design IMO.

How are your seals? I suspect, but could be wrong, that these tailgates get part of their bad rap from poor seals that allow water to get all over the internals every time it rains. I can't confirm that, but I know the seals on mine are not in the greatest shape...I just hate spending time, and especially money, to fix this one "right" when I have no intention of keeping it.

 

[rebelgregory]

It can be rebuilt. As long as it's mechanically sound, the contacts can be cleaned up, or you could solder them up and file them back down to restore the contact surface.

 

[Kain]

mine has the plastic piece inside the key that keeps craping out, have to pull it apart and bend the littl connectors so they mak contact again

 

[prolinews]

Do you have to pull the back glass out to repair it? Mine has never worked at the back of the truck. I was to replace the glass and seals and the switch in mine but have never actually seen the switch for sale in the lmc catalog?

 

[JoshHefnerX]

anyone have a source for the strange round connector that plugs onto the keyswitch?

 

[dyeager535]

anyone have a source for the strange round connector that plugs onto the keyswitch?

This one? http://s27.photobucket.com/user/stainless27/media/Suburban/Tailgate window/backofkeyswitch.jpg.html

I'm not aware of any way to find GM connector part numbers unfortunately. There are a few connectors that GM used that I have no clue how to get now.

As I recall from how those are designed, would be pretty hard to do some sort of alternate connection, no? Can the connector be bypassed completely, solder directly to, then add a connector elsewhere?

 

[JoshHefnerX]

That's the one. Haven't found one yet. Mine's serviceable but I don't trust it. Got hot once and started melting plastic. pulled it apart and tweaked the clamps inside... Not sure if it could be soldered to or not, I can make stuff stick together, but I'm not awesome at that.

 

[Kain]

lmc has all the parts

 

[badmix]

yea ive already got the safty by pass and know how to change it, it sux, now easy way and dont want to put the regulator.