Why do things break at the worst possible time???

[JAMAS]

So now that the boy is here and my pockets are empty, I think I might need to replace the Mode Selector Switch.

Right now, the only problem is the flashing park/reverse/drive lights. Not all the time, just when I change gears. When I went from Reverse out of my driveway, then to neutral, then to drive, the light stayed on neutral for a second. I know that the problem can be intermittent and it can also get worse. So, I want to fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.

My question is .....

I am a smart man, but not a mechanic. Is this a job that I can do without the possibility of breaking anything? The last thing I want/need is to make the problem worse.

Also, I have read 2 different things regarding the Mode Selector Switch. One, replace. Two, Fix.

Fix: http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...elector+switch

What is everyones thoughts on those two questions?

To recap:
Question 1: Can I do this myself?
Question 2: Fix or replace?

Thanks all!!!

[Ldub]

I would try fixin' it first, then if you have to replace it, the job will take half the time, as you'll be familiar with what's involved.....

[JAMAS]

It's called Murphys law...

I hate Murphy

[WormGod]

Clean the selector switch. Especially if you ever go offroad. I don't and you would be surprised at how much mine was still gummed up. I suppose the Mid Atlantic winter salts take a toll on that as much as they do... well.... everything else.

[JAMAS]

Clean the selector switch. Especially if you ever go offroad. I don't and you would be surprised at how much mine was still gummed up. I suppose the Mid Atlantic winter salts take a toll on that as much as they do... well.... everything else.

Any suggestions on the best way to clean it?

Wipe down, cleaning products, etc?

Thanks!

[Ldub]

Any suggestions on the best way to clean it?

Wipe down, cleaning products, etc?

Thanks!

In the cleaning link you posted, there was mention made of carb cleaner...

[mdwyer]

Question 2: Fix or replace?

I opened mine up, and so thoroughly screwed up the gasket, that I was never able to get it put back together again. I suggest buying the (stupidly overpriced) new one, then trying to repair the old one to keep around as a backup.

[WormGod]

I opened mine up, and so thoroughly screwed up the gasket, that I was never able to get it put back together again. I suggest buying the (stupidly overpriced) new one, then trying to repair the old one to keep around as a backup.

The gasket can be pretty brittle. Ya, I guess it's worth noting, heh. Mine was toast because I guess winter salts ate it like cake. IIRC, I never found any options to buying JUST the gasket so I believe I just doctored it up as well as I could and re-used it. What's the worse that could happen.... it happens again?

I used a carb cleaner on the guts and used a servo grease before closing up. It's really pretty simple so no need to feel too overwhelmed. I think there is another thread on here that even talks about How To, but I am at work and cant do the grunt work for ya.