The 1998 Chevy Blazer overhead lighting console is activated by a door light switch, also called a door jamb switch. This switch is connected to the lighting circuit by a slide-in plug on the back of the switch. The switch has live current applied to it, even when the ignition switch is turned off, so that the light will illuminate for passengers as they open doors to enter or leave the vehicle. Replacement requires removal of interior panels for easy access to the plug on the back of the switch.
Open the door on the side of the 1998 Chevy Blazer where the switch will be replaced. Put a work light on the floor, facing upward toward the underside of the dash. The light should illuminate the molded, side kick panel. The kick panel is the plastic panel that is located either to the left of the left-foot area on the driver's side or on the right of the right-foot area on the passenger side.
Locate the six screws holding the side kick panel that you will need to remove for access to the door jamb switch. Remove the screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Lay the screws in a safe location for later reassembly.
Remove the kick panel carefully so you don't break it. Gently pull the bottom out about 2 inches while using the other hand to press the top of the kick panel inward. Use both hands to pull the panel downward and outward until it can be completely removed. Lay the kick panel off to the side of the work area.
Unplug the female connector on the wiring harness from the male connector on the door jamb switch.
Identify the two retainer tabs on the switch assembly securing the back of the switch to the metal door frame of the vehicle; the two tabs hold the switch in place. Use a long pair of needle-nosed pliers to reach the two tabs and squeeze them together. Use your other hand to reach around to the door frame and pull the switch out of the hole while the tabs are depressed. Remove the old switch and discard it.
Press the new door jamb switch into place by pressing it through the door frame hole until the two retainer clips snap, securing the new switch into place.
Plug the wire harness into the socket of the new switch. The harness plug has plastic tabs that allow it to connect only one particular way, so be sure to line up the tabs correctly. Press the harness plug firmly into the switch socket until it is completely inserted.
Replace the kick panel following the above steps in reverse. Refasten all of the kick panel screws and tighten securely.
