Removal of 2004 Hummer H2 Master Switch
 

I am sorry if I sound dumb but I don't want to break anything - maybe I'm being overly paranoid. How do I remove the master switch (drivers door window/locks etc) on a 2004 Hummer H2? I've tried searching on the forums, Google, and YouTube, nobody seems to have directions on it. Is it the same as the H3 where it just pops out with metal clips? My switch surround (the plastic part) is loose, every time I open the door it jiggles around and is very annoying. I want to check if a clip is broken or missing then try to fix it or replace the case. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

There is no metal clips. The surround you speak of has small tabs all around it which secures it to the door panel. The switch pack then snaps into the surround. You just have to be a little careful in prying the surround straight up. Those tabs are tight as hell. When I did my LEDs in everything I put small felt bumpers on all those plastic on plastic pieces to relieve some of the speaking these suffer from.

What kind of small tabs? Plastic? They pull out using pressure? And you pull the master switch straight up and not out toward you? Thanks!

If you want to ensure you don't break something or have pry marks on the plastic, then go ahead and just remove the door panel and release the clips from the inside. It's certainly what I would do.

The knucklehead who owned the truck previously broke literally every single clip, then glued the master switch down. Not only does this look terrible, but it makes it difficult to remove it if I needed to in the future. I removed the glue and the master switch cover and have been brainstorming a good way to fix it. My wife thought of the ingenious idea of using magnets with adhesive backs. My only question is - would magnets cause any ill effects on the electronics in the door panel? Or should this be a safe method? I tried using 3M Velcro but it wasn't sticking well enough.

I think I'm going to try industrial strength Velcro instead of magnets just to avoid any potential problems with magnets and electronics. The first time I tried 3M dual lock Velcro and it just doesn't work for this type of situation. I'll report back with pictures later if this is successful. Seems like this must be a common problem considering how easy it looks to be for someone to snap all the master switch plastic tabs off

It doesn't sound very OEM. Can you post some pictures? Perhaps there might be a better way of doing it.

What doesn't sound OEM? It is the original master switch cover on the door panel. The previous owner just broke every single clip removing it. I'm trying to think outside the box to fix it without using glue like they did. Velcro was not strong enough to hold it. I am going to try using magnets this time. Hopefully it doesn't cause any problems using magnets in the car.

Here are some photos of when I tried to fix it with Velcro (it didn't work because it wasn't sticking well enough)https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...39c93c1107.jpghttps://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...83f4f1aa05.jpg

Oh that sucks. I thought you were talking about the black surround that goes around the switches. That previous owner was an idiot, the switch pack easily pops out through the top using the black surround NOT the door trim.


Truthfully I would 2-part epoxy that piece of the door panel back on after properly prepping the areas to accept epoxy and if you need to remove the switch pack just pop it up and out against that piece you epoxied in. That's how I've always taken mine out. Eventually that black bezel will break, mine has but it doesn't affect holding the switches secure and new bezels can be had for around $35.

Yeah - I actually do not think that outer part is intended to be removable, ever. The only way to remove it is to break its tabs off as the factory melts the tabs into place. The switch and the black part around it are removable. I'd use some 2 part epoxy and permanently reattached that bit. Then in the future if you need to remove the switch or its black plastic part that it clips into, just remove those.

They might be on some years though. GM made a few slight changes like that with other bits like the grab handles. On a 2003 and I think 2004 the grab handles on the door panel are not able to be detached without damage but on later years they can be easily unbolted and removed. Some bits have the plastic tabs/clips melted to the surrounding plastic while other bits do not.

This sounds like the best way to go. I'm just curious how to remove the black bezel without pulling the entire master switch surround out though? It was a pain in the ass to remove even when i had the switch out. Do you just pull up? The clips seemed super tight to where you need to pry them up one at a time. Maybe I could shave them down before I epoxy everything down? Or try the previously mentioned idea of adding spacers

They are insanely tight which was why I said it will eventually break if you are removing the thing enough times. You can buy new bezels though, good luck finding door panels for less than a fortune though.

You can check ebay for a better door panel. You can also sell yours even if it's in parts to subsidize your panel. If the price is right, people will buy it even if it's busted up.

Personally I'd remove the door panel, that way you can do whatever you need to do to re-attach and reinforce it from the side that cant be seen. As mentioned the edges need to be de-greased before applying bonding agent. IPA is a good cleaner but try it out on a hidden surface 1st. Super glue is always the temptation as its quick, but its too brittle and won't last.

You could try "plastic-welding" the part back in place using a hot soldering iron (not too hot) with a clean tip (solder wiped off) carefully melting the two parts together unitl the plastic "puddles" and merges, working along the seams. Obviously you dont want to "break through" to the visible side, but with care it can be done, it doenst have to go too deep. Experiment with some scrap materials 1st, you will be amazed at how strong the joints become. Only for the brave I suspect, and of course dont blame me!

I found someone else's technique at removing the switch module (passenger side shown) using a putty knife but its not a method I've ever tried.

That's how I have always removed mine, I found that exact picture. Removing the door panel to get the switch pack out I would do at your own risk. Door panels are a lot of expensive than the plastic bezel holding the pack in. Break some of the door panel clips and you're in a much bigger world of hurt. I have taken my door panels off, all 4 and one of mine separated from the leather top portion so I used the solder iron technique to melt it back together.

The proper plastic panel levers help, they're not expensive. Had to remove the front doors to repair the power-fold mirrors ( ) and also to replace a broken passenger window. Glueing/welding from the exposed area might leave things looking messy, but yes breaking a door clip would be a problem.

I used beige plastic bonding epoxy to permanently attach the door panel master switch surround back on.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...ac840de8a4.jpg

I then used a file to get the switch pack to where it will snap into place but also easily be removed using a flat head screw driver if I ever need to in the future. I tested it before I epoxy'd the thing down.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...91950351cd.jpg

Problem solved! Thanks again everyone!

Looks good, I'm just curious why you anticipate removing the switches so often to file the catches down?

just on the off chance I ever need to replace it, I don't want to risk breaking anything on the door panel. I also started this project becuz the half ass way the previous owner glued it on bothered me

Got ya.