Sticky buttons (1 Viewer)

[kwelhand]

Well, the buttons (circled in orange) near AHC control and cupholder are very sticky and even hard to press.
It seems like the previous owner spilled his/her favorite drink over the time and eventually gummed up the buttons.
I tried spraying WD-40 directly onto the buttons but no difference.
Anyone has similar problem or know how to safely bring back to original condition without replacing the entire assembly?
Many thanks in advance!

 

[CharlieS]

I have a sticky key issue with my ETC power button, and I am thinking of using an electronics cleaner (Deoxit - since I have it already) to try to clean it out. It is plastic friendly and lubricates too.

Amazon product ASIN B00006LVEU​

About this item​

• Cleans, protects, lubricates, and improves conductivity
• Reduces intermittent connections, arcing, and RFI as well as wear and abrasion
• Safe for use on all metal connectors and contacts and will not harm plastics
• Dispensing Type: Spray
• Volume: 5 oz

 

[kwelhand]

I have a sticky key issue with my ETC power button, and I am thinking of using an electronics cleaner (Deoxit - since I have it already) to try to clean it out. It is plastic friendly and lubricates too.

Amazon product ASIN B00006LVEU​

About this item​

• Cleans, protects, lubricates, and improves conductivity
• Reduces intermittent connections, arcing, and RFI as well as wear and abrasion
• Safe for use on all metal connectors and contacts and will not harm plastics
• Dispensing Type: Spray
• Volume: 5 oz

I’ve heard those type of cleaners are pretty harsh to the plastic even though it claimed to be safe??

 

[cboyd]

I’d use the electronics cleaner over wd40! Wd40 is flammable!

 

[CharlieS]

Was just sharing what I'm going to do, not saying you need to go that way.

 

[kwelhand]

I’d use the electronics cleaner over wd40! Wd40 is flammable!i

Was just sharing what I'm going to do, not saying you need to go that way.

No, I think it sounds very promising.
I might have to order a can and see what happens… thanks!

 

[CharlieS]

Another approach might be to open up the console, remove the button assembly and clean it out on the bench. I've had the center console apart a few times and it isn't a horrible job. It is a bit fiddly in a few spots, but not too bad. That way you might have more control over where overspray goes and any other potential issues.

If it was removed (fully disconnected) could you probably even flood it with distilled water, ionized water or even a high %age isopropyl alcohol.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

Another approach might be to open up the console, remove the button assembly and clean it out on the bench. I've had the center console apart a few times and it isn't a horrible job. It is a bit fiddly in a few spots, but not too bad. That way you might have more control over where overspray goes and any other potential issues.

If it was removed (fully disconnected) could you probably even flood it with distilled water, ionized water or even a high %age isopropyl alcohol.

That's the way to do it for sure. On my 100 series I had to disassemble all of the switches near the cupholders and clean them with isopropyl. Dried coffee is sticky stuff.

 

[Sandroad]

A definite no to WD40. It’s oil based and could be bad for pretty much everything in there. The problem is most likely sugar from spills, so alcohol would be your best bet, short of full disassembly and cleaning. Deoxit is great for switches and such, so if you take it apart to clean it, that would work well for electrical cleanup after the alcohol gets the sugar cleaned up.

 

[Supra Turbo]

If taking it apart is realistic - do it right. Clean it from the inside making sure to avoid any wiring circuits.

 

[kwelhand]

Greatly appreciate everyone's ideas!
Will try various of methods mentioned above and see what happens.

 

[Fisher23]

I would use a disinfectant wipe, and an air can.

 

[El Skywalker]

I had similar issue with my ECT button.
A little bit of Isopropyl alcohol will work wonders for a sticky button!

 

[kwelhand]

Thanks guys.
Will try both methods.

 

[nwfl4runner]

If I remember correctly, to remove that switch you have to disassemble the console, which includes removing the ashtray section. It can be mostly disassembled, but I think one of the toggles is difficult to remove. Once it's apart though you can really deep clean it. Would recommend you go that route.