HVAC buttons worn off - replace or repair or?

ExtraSlow · May 2, 2016

Hi, just picked up a 2011 2500HD Sierra. It's lived a hard life, and the paint ont he HVAC buttons has worn right off.

If I could find the right year of truck at the wrecker, how hard would it be to replace these? Anyone done it and have tips or suggestions?

Only somewhat related, but seems the window switches on the drivers door are worn and only work about half the time. Is this a common issue and do they typically need to be cleaned, or just replaced?

Thanks so much, I'm new to the world of GM trucks.

ChevMech · May 3, 2016

The original "paint" on the buttons on both the radio and the HVAC system are cheap to say the least. If you look on ebay, you can find several different vendors that sell stickers to replace the worn original. I bought an entire radio set for about $10.

As far as the window switches, replacing them is your best bet. Go to gmpartsdirect.com and you can get them a lot cheaper than a dealer or any other place.

Hope this helps....

ExtraSlow · May 3, 2016

How big of a job is it to replace the window switches? How likely am I to break some plastic clip or something when I am taking things apart? I'm a bit clumsy.

ExtraSlow · May 7, 2016

I have ordered the ebay HVAC stickers, and will report back on them. I guess it's a really common issue, they were easy to find.

txab · May 7, 2016

I have ordered the ebay HVAC stickers, and will report back on them. I guess it's a really common issue, they were easy to find.

You might post a link for others in the same boat......

ExtraSlow · May 7, 2016

You might post a link for others in the same boat......

Good point. I ordered these ones: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/GM-GMC-CHEVROLET-CHEVY-AC-CLIMATE-BUTTON-RESTORATION-STICKER-DECAL-KIT-/222104832392?hash=item33b67ac988:g:qIUAAOSwcBhWZ8g6&vxp=mtr

If that link doesnt work, it's listing #222104832392. They are from seller "rml1007".

We'll see what kind of quality they are. There are a few different types based on your truck having nav system or not, and there are multi-pack options that would be great if you owned more than one truck.

ExtraSlow · April 27, 2018

Hey, I didn't post a follow-up, and then sold the truck so I wasn't around, but these stickers worked good for me, and looked great except for the one I put on a tiny bit crooked. Take your time and it's a great way to clean up the look of your HVAC controls. The new-to-me 2010 truck I just bought also has some spots that are rubbing off, so I may be buying another set soon. Not sure if that same ebay seller is still the way to go, but I checked and there are several options on ebay still.

Leevon · May 24, 2018

FYI the buttons themselves can't be replaced, the whole unit has to be. Then it will need to be initialized and programmed with GM software. It's about $300 deal...but I have taken high mileage GM vehicles and replaced worn steering wheel and HVAC controls and then they sold much easier