Glass Switch Question

[Big Ry]

I'm pretty sure the answer to this is no, but before I pay to have the glass switches fitted (manual switch set), I assume that the four main switches in the lower console don't just 'pull out and push in' ?

I'm not fused about the seat switches etc, it's just the four in the console I want.

Any ideas ?

[KarlFranz]

They do get installed from the front, but it would be almost impossible to pull them out because there is nothing to grab onto. You really have to push them out from the back.

[Big Ry]

KarlFranz said:

They do get installed from the front, but it would be almost impossible to pull them out because there is nothing to grab onto. You really have to push them out from the back.

But in theory if I could grip the chrome bezel of the existing switches then i should just be able to pull them straight out and push the new ones straight in ?

[divetheworld]

No, they are barbed. You need to compress the locks from the rear.

[KarlFranz]

As explained above, there are spring-loaded clips on the sides of the button barrel that must be composed in order to slide the button housing out . Even if this weren't the case, you would prolly scratch the heck out of the surrounding fascia.

[Big Ry]

Thanks all.......I'll get them fitted by someone else........

[Little Donkey]

Removing the centre console isn't difficult. Have a search for how to replacie the gear lever on here (presuming you're talking about a Vantage) and with some basic tools should take you about twenty minutes.

[Big Ry]

Little Donkey said:

Removing the centre console isn't difficult. Have a search for how to replacie the gear lever on here (presuming you're talking about a Vantage) and with some basic tools should take you about twenty minutes.

I've tried doing a search and can't find anything relevant (well anything that actually explains how to do it anyway). The search function on PH is woeful.

Has anyone got a link ?

I'm up for giving it a go if it's genuinely not that difficult, the thought of paying for something I can do myself does smart a bit, plus leaves some cash for other things

[divetheworld]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kCwOayN32-0

[SLacKer]

That video shows wedges used to remove the ski slope PLEASE DON'T DO THAT.

The ski slope can be removed by unclipping the satnav cover and with the satnav up getting your hand behind it and under the slope and you can release the two clips near the screen with relative ease. Firm pressure here but you don't want the ski slope to shoot up once released, you just want it to pop out of the clip holes so use your other hand to stop the slope once released. Then reposition your hands and do the same for the front clips (they are push in spring loaded and have tangs on the ski slope). Then the ski slope can be removed (put it somewhere safe) after unclipping the start button and if you have them the gearbox buttons. Once that is out you can undo the top screws and the bottom is as per video. At no point did I use my plastic wedges on the console.

The centre stack maybe a little tight with all screws out this is the leather vertical surround clamping it slightly so just use your hand to open it up slightly and it will pop out. I remember I got one side free and of course the other side is released from the tension. Have some pads/cloths handy to protect the various parts of the console as you may need to rest components on others etc. You can then unclip the buttons.

Just take your time with it. My car is an early DB9 so this may vary over the years with exactly how it is put together.

[Sunray3006]

As Slacker stated, its really very easy as the 'Ski Slope' is held in with push in clips as I have done my own DB9 as I had the panel dipped to Carbon Fibre.

The problem is that we get scared as its an Aston and they cost a bloody fortune for spare parts, and I am not technically minded but I thought Id have a look after seeing the video and a couple of other photo's that have been posted by other PH members and I'm glad I did.

Take your time and you should be okay (and you'll save approx £150 in labour fees)

[AstonV]

Reviving and old thread here. I am getting the glass switches for my Vantage. I have been searching the threads, but I don't see anything on removing the ones in the seats and the one for the glove box. Does anyone know how to the remove the seat switches and the glove box switch? Any help would be much appreciated.

I did see a couple posts on using a 15 or 17 mm socket and a hammer to drive the switch into the headrest and fish the broken parts out. Then plug in the new one. Seems kind of crude and scary treatment for my beautiful seats. Read another post about drilling a small hole in the center of the switch, screwing a screw into the middle the pulling it out with a claw hammer.

Edited by AstonV on Friday 10th May 07:16

[yellow_tang]

The glovebox one is easy to get to as you just pull the glovebox surround off and can get to the switch from there to push out and replace. The headrests are a different matter though. They are the same switch as the glovebox so once that ones out you can probably decide your best line of attack...

[AstonV]

yellow_tang said:

The glovebox one is easy to get to as you just pull the glovebox surround off and can get to the switch from there to push out and replace. The headrests are a different matter though. They are the same switch as the glovebox so once that ones out you can probably decide your best line of attack...

Is it difficult to remove the glove box surroun?

[dbs2000]

AstonV said:

Is it difficult to remove the glove box surroun?

No it's a doddle. 10 min job at most.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9qqApeub20

[AstonV]

Seems no one knows how to remove the seat switch. I'll need to ask my Aston service department. Unfortunately they probably won't tell me. AM dealers are very strange unless you purchase the parts from them and have them install them. But every time I have priced out parts through them they are 2 or 3 times the cost compared to other sources.

[Minglar]

AstonV said:

Seems no one knows how to remove the seat switch. I'll need to ask my Aston service department. Unfortunately they probably won't tell me. AM dealers are very strange unless you purchase the parts from them and have them install them. But every time I have priced out parts through them they are 2 or 3 times the cost compared to other sources.

Hi AstonV

I had glass switches fitted to my V12V last year. I asked the question about the seat tilt switches and was told that it was a real pain, involving removing a lot of the seat trim, to replace them. The dealer effectively told me it was more trouble than it was worth, so I settled on having just five replaced (the glove box, and the four at the bottom on the centre console) I did mention the hammer and socket method mentioned elsewhere on here in previous threads, but they preferred to leave them alone. It’s not that a big deal really, but I guess for continuity, replacing all seven would have been nicer.

Best Regards

Minglar

[AMTony]

I had the seat ones changed and they literally had to destroy the old ones to get them out.

Was done at AM Garage.

[AstonV]

Thanks to everyone. Yes I assumed they would have to be destroyed. Taking the seat leather apart would only be if you wanted to save them. I will look at the glass ones when they arrive. Hopefully I can just pry of the plastic piece and remove bend the metal with a needle nose to remove. There is shop where I have taken my car to before and probably just pay to have them do it. They work on a lot of high end cars but don't see many Aston's for some reason Porsche, Ferrari and Lambo's are more common.

[AMTony]

If it helps, photo of old button and its fixing points