'03 Tahoe -- 8-Button Door Switch

['68OrangeSunshine]

The 8-Button Door/Window/Mirror/Lock Switch on my 2003 Tahoe has many glitches.

Window Up/Down functions are iffy. The Drivers window often works OK, but the Passenger side front window is 50/50. Sometimes I have to lean over to move it Up or Down. Occasionally the rear passenger window will go down of its own accord when I start the truck. The rear drivers side just doesn't work.

The Mirror adjusters work OK to set up the Drivers side, but when I move the rocker switch over to do the passenger side, it goes nuts. I'm afraid to mess with it.

The automatic door locks all pop Open when the shifter is put in Park. I understand that's a default setting. PIA when I park Downtown and have to hand check each door for security. That's 5 locks with Barn Doors.

I don't have a remote Key Fob.

Rear doors won't relock from the Driver's button.

I have watched You Tube videos of guys removing door panels to access these switches. Some are clowns. Some know what they're doing. A few are good.
There are EBay maguffins to repair the plastic clips if a PO was an idiot and muscle#ucked the door panels off.
One guy took the 8-Button switch apart and cleaned the contacts with q-tips and alcohol, with positive results.

Otherwise the switch assemblies get spendy. I don't have Heated/Retracting mirrors so I can skip the $151 dollar switch and $200 core charge from RockAuto. I probably want Dorman p/n 901-075 at $112, no core, for the simpler 8-Button switch. A call to O'Reilly's for a price check on 901-075 didn't work, as they'd have to start a Special Order to get me a price.
I have not checked the local U-Pull-It yards yet.

[hatzie]

You can change the settings to only the driver's door unlocks or none of the doors unlock.
I think you can also change it from when it goes into park to when you take the key out of the ignition.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by hatzie

You can change the settings to only the driver's door unlocks or none of the doors unlock.
I think you can also change it from when it goes into park to when you take the key out of the ignition.

OK. Thanks. I will get after the switches first. Then I can program locking settimgs. Finally get key fobs and program them.

[hatzie]

Lock/Unlock personalization settings using the DIC.
Page 3-57 of the 2003 Tahoe Owner Manual

-------------------------------------------------
Automatic Locking
Press the personalization button until AUTOMATIC LOCKING appears in the display.
To select your personalization for automatic locking, press the select button while AUTOMATIC LOCKING is displayed on the DIC.

Pressing the select button will scroll through the following choices:

• LOCK DOORS OUT OF PARK (default): The doors will lock when the vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P).
• LOCK DOORS MANUALLY: The doors will not be locked automatically.
• LOCK DOORS WITH SPEED: The doors will lock when the vehicle speed is above 8 mph (13 km/h) for three seconds.

Choose one of the three options and press the personalization button while it is displayed on the DIC to select it and move on to the next feature.
For more information on automatic door locks see Programmable Automatic Doors Locks.
---------------------------------------------------
Automatic Unlocking
Press the personalization button until AUTOMATIC UNLOCKING appears in the display.
To select your personalization for automatic unlocking, press the select button while AUTOMATIC UNLOCKING is displayed on the DIC.

Pressing the select button will scroll through the following choices:

• UNLOCK ALL IN PARK (default): All of the doors will unlock when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).
• UNLOCK ALL AT KEY OUT: All of the doors will unlock when the key is taken out of the ignition.
• UNLOCK DOORS MANUALLY: The doors will not be unlocked automatically.
• UNLOCK DRIVER IN PARK: The driver’s door will be unlocked when the vehicle is shifted in PARK (P).

Choose one of the four options and press the personalization button while it is displayed on the DIC to select it and move on to the next feature.
For more information on automatic door locks see Programmable Automatic Door Locks.

-------------------------------------------------

Aftermarket driver door switch modules are around $100-$150 from RockAuto. You may be able to disassemble them and clean up the contacts but they tend to be very brittle after 22 years.
If you want to buy used you need to pay attention to several options. Power folding and tow mirrors among other things.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Thanks.
Is the DIC the digital scroll on the dash that usually displays the Odometer setting?

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Thanks.
Is the DIC the digital scroll on the dash that usually displays the Odometer setting?

Yup. My truck has the buttons in the steering wheel to access those menus.
The trucks without those buttons have other ways to get into them.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by hatzie

Yup. My truck has the buttons in the steering wheel to access those menus.
The trucks without those buttons have other ways to get into them.

I think you have to play games with the Brites Lever, the IGN Sw and the Door Lock/Unlok buttons.
Since that switchbox is screwy, I'll hafta wait.

[hatzie]

Another option is to install a steering wheel with buttons along with the matching clockspring.
There's a thread on the Avalanche forums about how to go about doing this. And there's more in-depth stuff on some of the Tahoe forums about changing the inner workings of the instrument panel software. The button wiring is supposedly already present in the column. Similar to adding cruise control in the 95-01 T400 by swapping the stalk.

The instrument panel may need to be reprogrammed for additional DIC menu items but it should give you access to the ones that are already there a lot easier.

If you want the radio buttons to work you'll need to reprogram the BCM, that gets a little more difficult. A dealership Tech could conceivably change the BCM programming but I'm not sure how much GM is willing to allow. I don't think there's a lot of information on reverse engineering the BCM software like there is for the instrument panel.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Radio works OK for local FM. A disc is stuck in the CD Changer, and I haven't found a good cassette to test that with.
I thought the A/C was busted -- only blowing Hot, but I looked at the Manual, and I had to push a couple of tiny buttons to get it to cool. Not blowing ice cubes, but materially cooler than ambient.

Not interested in a steering wheel swap anytime soon.

But I did see a You Tube clip about a guy who got an Escalade Dash Package and he was able to just pull out the old one on his Silverado, and plug and play the new one. Don't really need a 140 MPH Speedo, but Trans Temp was a cool upgrade. Only cost him north of $400

['68OrangeSunshine]

New glitch just popped up:
DRIVERS DOOR AJAR
When it's clearly shut. Opening the door and slamming it shut -- at a light -- has no effect.
Also Cabin lights stay on, too.
What herb is recommended as a Gremlin Bane?

[hatzie]

The side door ajar switchs terminate with the door power window, lock, mirror switch panels.
The switch states are sent from there to the BCM over the Serial databuss.
They control mirrors, mirror lights, and courtesy lamps in the door as well.

Time to get a replacement door switch module.
Take a picture of your SPID label on the glovebox door so you can look at the RPO codes.

Some of the Dorman switch modules are remanufactured with a $200 core.
RockAuto 2003 Chevy Tahoe power window switches.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by hatzie

The side door ajar switchs terminate with the door power window, lock, mirror switch panels.
The switch states are sent from there to the BCM over the Serial databuss.
They control mirrors, mirror lights, and courtesy lamps in the door as well.

Time to get a replacement door switch module.
Take a picture of your SPID label on the glovebox door so you can look at the RPO codes.

Some of the Dorman switch modules are remanufactured with a $200 core.
RockAuto 2003 Chevy Tahoe power window switches.

My Tahoe does not have Heated Mirrors. or blinking arrows. Pedals are non-adjustable.

RockAuto looks like the best deal. Dorman 901-175 for $+111.79 and No Core charge.
LMC and Jegs seem to have higher prices and core charges.

I'm not sure what RPO code is applicable. Is there an RPO Decoder anywhere?

I will try attaching my SPID...

[hatzie]

https://decoderpo.com/

DL8 = PIO, Mirror, outside left-hand and right-hand heated dual remote 17" heads
PIO, Mirror, outside left-hand and right-hand with integral convex mirrors, heated, dual remote controls, (Port Installed Option)
MIRROR,OUTSIDE,RH AND LH REMOTE CONTROL,ELECTRIC,DEFOG

Looks like the original purchaser bought the DT4 smoking package too.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by hatzie

https://decoderpo.com/

DL8 = PIO, Mirror, outside left-hand and right-hand heated dual remote 17" heads
PIO, Mirror, outside left-hand and right-hand with integral convex mirrors, heated, dual remote controls, (Port Installed Option)
MIRROR,OUTSIDE,RH AND LH REMOTE CONTROL,ELECTRIC,DEFOG

Looks like the original purchaser bought the DT4 smoking package too.

The mirrors don't look like 17'' heads.
The Cigar Lighter does work, but I think the Ash Tray is long gone. Just deep storage pockets under the A/C controls. Funny, I could not get 12 vdc out of the Cigar Lighter socket. That is, the accessory plug from my GPS wouldn't fit. It fit the Aux Power port to the right however. And there's another Aux port behind the front seats. Easy enough to run an accessory cord USB--USB-C for cell phone charging.
Having ''Heated Mirrors'' might change my RockAuto order. I didn't want to deal with cores and charges.
Thanks for the RPO translator. I put in the whole sequence and saved it, I think.

['68OrangeSunshine]

What does [PIO] Port Installed Option mean?

[hatzie]

Dealer installed option.
The dealer installs whatever it is and gets a new program for the module to allow control of said options.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by hatzie

Dealer installed option.
The dealer installs whatever it is and gets a new program for the module to allow control of said options.

I took a tape measure to my RVM. It was about 11'' of glass not 17''.
So maybe a PO had them removed?

[hatzie]

Those look like my heated power folding mirrors with the turn signal in the glass

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by hatzie

Those look like my heated power folding mirrors with the turn signal in the glass

No Turn Signals [working] in the glass. They might fold back. I don't know how to make that so.
Heated mirrors in AZ?
Not 17''.

[Wootdog]

Normally,
I don't buy electrical type things second hand. But with as expensive as you are saying this is: Have you tried Car-Parts.com? It is a nationwide site of Salvage Yards across America. They rank the parts, tell you exactly what it is and also tell you have far from you the parts are. I have used them in the past and bought a whole radiator support for a second generation Camaro I use to have.
V/R
Kerry Aka Wootdog

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by Wootdog

Normally,
I don't buy electrical type things second hand. But with as expensive as you are saying this is: Have you tried Car-Parts.com? It is a nationwide site of Salvage Yards across America. They rank the parts, tell you exactly what it is and also tell you have far from you the parts are. I have used them in the past and bought a whole radiator support for a second generation Camaro I use to have.
V/R
Kerry Aka Wootdog

Thanks for the tip, Kerry. I'm not so sure I would trust a sensative electrical part as the 8-button switch to survive over two decades in a junkyard.
Cheapest fix I've seen on YouTube was a guy took the switch assembly out, and dissassembled it down to the printed circuit board. He then cleaned all the contacts with Q-Tips and alcohol and put it back together. Once all buttoned back up, it worked flawlessly.

It could work, or it could get screwed up permanently. If I pull the switch out, and it gets FUBAR, the whole truck is down until the switch is replaced.

I think I bought an SI-12 Alternator [w/internal Voltage Regulator] for my '71 GMC Jimmy from Car-Parts.com. New component. Had a 2 year warranty. Still working fine several years later.

['68OrangeSunshine]

OK. I checked Car-Part.com online.
>Riteway Auto Parts in Phoenix had an 8-Button switch from a 2004 Suburban for $305.
>Late Model Auto Salvage in Ft Worth TX wants $369 for theirs from an '03 Tahoe.

The outfit I bought the Alternator from was Car-Parts.com [with an S]. I had some rebate deal thru my bank if I used my debit card. Not the same guys.

RockAuto is still the cheapest.

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

OK. I checked Car-Part.com online.
>Riteway Auto Parts in Phoenix had an 8-Button switch from a 2004 Suburban for $305.
>Late Model Auto Salvage in Ft Worth TX wants $369 for theirs from an '03 Tahoe.

The outfit I bought the Alternator from was Car-Parts.com [with an S]. I had some rebate deal thru my bank if I used my debit card. Not the same guys.

RockAuto is still the cheapest.

Owch
Years ago I shopped a used starter for my VW Rabbit diesel. I could get one remanufactured for $85 or I could get one Salvage for $150. Guess which one I bought LOL
I ought to go over to my buddies place and see if he's got one in the Avalanche the crew cab or the Suburbans he's got out back.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I checked a couple of local junkyards last Friday. U-Pull-It said they had a few Suburbans, Tahoes and Escalades I could look at. If there was an 8-Button Switch it would be $12.50.
So I went out in the 105* sun to look. Nothing. All the drivers door panels were torn back to the clear vinyl and stripped. Cost me a Buck to enter the yard.
So I checked Chuck's Trucks down the road. Same result. The kid there showed me a switch in a similar configuration, but the buttons were bigger. GMT-400 series, I guess.
As I was leaving the Old Guy asked what I was after. I came back into their HQ trailer, as he shuffled around. He couldn't find what he was looking for. He said he might have a few at home. I gave him my card but I'm not holding my breath.
Being a hot day, the A/C decided to become a heater and blow HOT. I energized the door window buttons. Drivers Front is OK. Pass Front only works from that side button. Rear Pass window is the same, but only comes to halfmast. [A Tahoe-only feature since there's a cut-out in the door for the rear wheel.] Drivers Rear window only opens two inches.
Next day, after buying some silicon spray lube, I shot the window tracks. Drivers Front got really snappy. Pass Front responded some what. Pass Rear improved a little.
But the Drivers Rear didn't open up to the full halfmast. I may have to R&R the Regulator and/or motor. Lower priority than the 8-Button job.
I may have to get a shop to check out my A/C.

[hatzie]

Might be worth driving up to Phoenix
It's been 20 years since I was doing work in Tempe. I did a junkyard tour on several afternoons.
Just checked Googla maps and it appears the salvage yards are still in the same places.

Martin Luther King & W Braodway West of 19th Ave

Take 35th ave North from Broadway and there's a couple truck salvage yards east & west of that street.

There's a bunch more North of there in the block bounded by 27th ave, Van Buren, 35th ave, & Buckeye with a couple just east of 27th ave.