4x4 switch disassembly - how to remove circuit board?

[thunder550]

I'm working on replacing the backlights on my 4x4 switch. I have the switch apart, but can't figure out how to get the circuit board separated from the back shell part of the switch assembly. Are the pins that the connectors slip over molded into the back shell? How does the circuit board separate from the rear cover?

Here's where I am:

Here's the pins that I can't get to come out...haven't tried too hard yet, not sure how hard I can pull before I start breaking things.

 

[chevyburnout1]

Been a long time since I've had one apart, but looks like there are those two tabs on the top and bottom that are sorta 'securing' the board to the plastic. Slightly pry those back and slowly work under the circuit board with a small screwdriver. It should slowly pop out.

 

[Hot COCOAL]

Lol, I got to that point and then just bought a new one

Good luck

 

[thunder550]

I found a video online where they say not to pull the circuit board as it will break. I'm going to try to just pop the original lights off and see what happens. Worst case is I can't fix the lights, which leaves me with no backlighting, which is exactly what I already have.

 

[Fingers]

It just snaps into place. The connector pins just pass through the plastic.

There are two melt over studs holding the board that you will have to cut to get the board off.

 

[thunder550]

Ahh ok, thanks! I'll give that a shot tonight.

 

[thunder550]

Those studs aren't melted over on mine...still couldn't get the board off. That's ok though...I was able to get it from the front of the board. I pushed the lights to the side enough to get the soldering iron in there to loosen them up, and stuck the new bulb leads through the holes and soldered them in from the top rather than the bottom. Everything works

 

[kolcak]

@thunder550, I was looking for a solution so that I don’t have to cut my board since mine has melted studs. Anyways, how did you manage to slide the lights through the small opening that can be created by the solder? I was thinking about doing that but then decided not to since I can’t actually slide the pins of my lights through that space. Also, I’m a little surprised how your board could be in place without melted studs. Is it pulled in from the inside? Normally I use RTV for this purpose which can easily be detached as well but this is a little mysterious.