BigBird98

The volume control on my '98 Firebird is permanently locked in the "Increase Volume" mode! How do I remove the control so I can replace it?

TIA,
Danny

KEE AUDIO

iTrader: (65)

Mine did the exact same thing...lol!! I'd be driving along and the radio would go nuts increasing the volume and I couldn't stop it till I just shut it off. They just pry out and then disconnect.

BigBird98

Same thing happpened to me! I was driving down a city street, the volume started increasing and I immediately had to turn off the radio!

I can just pry off the volume control? That's good to hear! Someone recommended I try that so I pried a little then lost my nerve. I sure didn't want to break something and cause an even bigger problem.

Thanks for the advice,
Danny

KEE AUDIO

iTrader: (65)

The whole sorta triangular piece is one thing with the three buttons. The volume itself doesn't pop out. All three buttons is what I meant.

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

More than likely the microbutton is worn out or else the button is sticky and not releasing it. The switches each have 4 buttons in them. The left and right side switch are pried out of the steering wheel. It may be easier to remove the air bag then you can reach in and push the switch out from underneath. It's also easier to plug and unplug the switch. If the little up button is bad it can be replaced by soldering a new one in it's place.

Here are some instructions:
http://community.webshots.com/album/66665741JDsfSI

BigBird98

Many thanks to Walking-dead and JasonWW for all your help! Yesterday, I finally got a chance to remove both the left and the right side units. I removed the left unit because the light has been out for at least 6 months. Because of the way the wiring was routed, I had to remove the air bag to detach the wiring harness from the units. Removing the air bag was easy. Of course, I first removed the air bag fuse to avoid any possible problems.

I have used the radio controls so much the lettering is almost completely gone and they look horrible. Today, I'm going by a dealership and see how exhorbitant new switches are. If they try to screw me as bad as I expect them to, I may opt for going to a junk yard and seeing if I can find replacement units.

I week from today I'm retiring and hope to visit LS1tech a whole lot more. Before I broke an axle and retired from drag racing about 3 years ago, I used to visit the website frequently. I forgot how much I enjoyed it.

Again, Thanks!!!

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

You can sometimes find them on ebay. Also check GM Parts Direct.

BTW, I think the airbag keeps an electrical charge for a short while. I heard it's best to disconnect the battery and wait about 20 minutes. Either way, sounds like you got it figured out.

BigBird98

Dealership has a "bend over and grab your ankles" price of $175.

GM Parts Direct price is $92 ... which is still pricey!

Didn't see anything on eBay at this time.

Will go by Radio Shack and see if they have a microbutton that would work.

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

I bought a whole leather steering wheel with perfect switches for like 30 bucks a while back.

BOOM! 25 bucks
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-02...spagenameZWDVW

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

Are you sure about those high prices? I was thinking they were about $45 each from the dealer. Anyway, plenty of used ones out there.

BigBird98

Wow! Pefect for me!!!

I don't have an eBay account. Guess I need to get one and see if I can buy this.

Thanks!

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

Maybe one of your friends has an account.

BigBird98

Great News, Jason!!! A friend at work bid on the radio controls you found and I won the bidding. I should have the 2 units in a few days. Thanks a bunch for all your help.

Danny

KEE AUDIO

iTrader: (65)

Gotta love ebay for misc. parts like that!!