Are there tricks to removing the old switch caps on the hand controls on 02 RK with cruise? I'm fixin to replace the stock housings but the Service Manual did not say how to get the caps off. My bro told me the switch is easy to break but didn't tell me why! WTF?

 

The trick is patience

 

Switch cap removal tool as found in the chrome switch cap kits. That's why I saved my tool. The kit says the tool is PN#7226-04 but it comes up as an invalid pn# so I don't know what the scoop is.

 

For the horn-type caps, a very small flat blade screwdriver works well; for the audio type caps, there may be a tool included, otherwise fork-type tines work well. It's been a while, but working from the outside by gently prying the cap off the round pivot, then removing the cap from the cog side gets them off; simply reverse when installing the new ones.

The horn and turn signal caps have springs that are one-way install; just pay attention to how the springs were oriented when removing the caps and put them back the same way.

A small magnetic phillips screwdriver is useful when removing the small screws and reinstalling them to secure the metal brackets inside the housing. And be careful not to pinch wires when reinstalling the switch housings.

Good luck with your project.

 

I had never thought to open the package- a fork tool was included- with the instructions...duh. THanks for your replies!

 

On my RKC the tool was used to remove the caps on the Cruise 'set/resume' button on the right side hand control and the Cruise 'on/off' button on the left side hand control. The switch caps are best removed with a small flatblade screwdriver as mentioned earlier in this thread.
In my experience, the switches themselves are virtually indestructible. Just watch you don't pinch the wiring getting them back into the housings.

CN

 

you will need patience, beer, more patience, and it will initiate the growth of gray hair...lol

the above posts do address it well though. just follow the instructions.

 

I would not wish changing A RK throttle side (with cruise) on anyone. That was one miserable f**king job.