Thank you for the post. Dealer wanted $380 to replace the switch. I used a #20 Torx driver $4 (needs to be thin to access the screw in the switch, and short to access the screw near the door hinge) and a paper clip to release the switch lock then used canned air to blow out the dust from the switch. Works fine now. THANKS A MILLION!!!

 

Thanks for the write-up. I cleaned mine and all is good again!

 

FYI - canned air fix did not last long.

I removed the switch and sprayed with MAF cleaner, moving the switch through all the positions several times before the solution dried. It works now, we'll see for how long. I will report should the switch fail yet again. Confirm the 24mm socket was useful, kept me from scratching things up.

 

I cleaned mine in Feb. Not one problem since.

 

Everyone using MAF cleaner? Contact points only?

Got everything out, going to pick up some MAF cleaner tomorrow.

 

MAF Cleaner worked like a charm. Light switch fully operational now.

Note, you don't need to use screwdriver to pry off the plastic bezel. There is a notch in the bottom to access the locking mechanism - use a small screwdriver to unlock, then bezel should come right out.

 

Ok... my turn now and I'm glad I found this thread. I'll give a try to the MAF spray and report back on my results... thanks to all for all this great info.

 

I did this recently. Excellent DIY write-up and thanks to the author for taking the time to do it. Unfortunately, cleaning didn't do the trick but the replacement switch did.

 

To anyone who has replaced or cleaned their switch....when the switch would fail, did it throw the PSM/ABS codes? Did your brake lights stop working too?

Trying to see if the headlight switch is the root cause for a problem I'm having.

 

As I recall, the answer for me was no and no. No code, just the headlights. From memory though.

 

Dan,
For me, no it didn't affect the tail lights. Only the headlights coming on.

I don't know if it threw a code. I didn't get any indication. Would I get a dashboard indicator of the code if it did? If so it didn't throw a code.
Rick

 

Brake lights worked fine and no code when mine failed

 

same for me- no brake light or cel or psm lights

 

Same here, just the headlights were out.

 

Talked to the service dept today and he thinks it is the headlight switch.

Sitting in the car now and I cant get the cover of the switch to pull off...the part that rotates. Is there a trick or some type of release clip to pull off?