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Old 02-17-2020, 02:00 AM   #1
andrew_l_s
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Member#: 446616
Join Date: May 2016
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Ohio, USA
Vehicle:
2018 WRX Limited
Lapis Blue Pearl

Default 2018 WRX Custom Dash Button [DIY]

I'm not a fan of drilling into things and slapping aftermarket switches on the dash. However I do like adding things to my car which necessitate a separate switch to be used. My purpose for this mod was to activate my recently installed headlight washers, however this same setup could be utilized for countless other purposes.

The switch panel to the left of the steering wheel has a blank next to the VDC off button. The face of it is sloped making it impossible to simply drill or cut and pop a switch into it, at least not without cutting up the back side of the panel to make room.

For this project you'll need the following:
Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XGTJK7S..._8nJsEbVFR46WG
Small hacksaw
Assorted sandpaper
Tesa tape

I'm using this as a "before" photo but in reality this is the completed project with the switch installed


First you'll need to remove the blank. A small flatblade can be used to pry up the tabs (2 on top, 1 on bottom) and then push it through the back of the panel. Once removed it looks like this:


Once removed you'll cut it as shown. I used a small hacksaw which worked great. Set the front portion aside for now. Take the back portion and clean up the cut surface with some sandpaper, getting the surface to be flat and smooth.


Next take a switch and cut the locking tabs off. Sand it smooth and check the fit in the back half of the switch blank you just cut. It needs to fit flush but it's fine if it's snug. You could glue it in place but mine fit snugly enough to not need any. Once complete set this part aside.


Now take the front portion of the blank and cut off a slice equal to the thickness of the switch. I didn't measure anything but rather marked it with a razor while up next to the switch and then cut it with a hacksaw again. Just like with the back half sand it smooth.


Drop the front half into the switch blank slot and test how well it slides. It will need to move forward and back freely but not be loose to the point of rattling. I used some very fine sandpaper to sand the sides of it as it was just a tad stiff. Test before doing anything and sand a little at a time.


Once you get a satisfactory fit on the front portion, snap the back half into place. You want for the switch button to be snug up against the front half to avoid it rattling. Mine had a tiny bit of play so I put 2 layers of Tesa tape in between which made it perfect. This is another step that requires testing and minor adjustments until you get it just right.


After getting the fitment perfected you're done! See the first photo for the completed product. It's hidden in plain sight and maintains a clean, stock looking interior. But instead of being just a dummy blank, it now functions as a momentary switch when you push on it. With some trial and error I got the perfect amount of resistance without it being too loose and rattling or too tight and sticking. It has a very tactile feel and enough travel to let you know that you're pushing it. Hooked up spade terminals on the back and it's now used to activate my headlight washers.
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Old 01-22-2021, 12:26 AM   #2
hunter47
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Member#: 521784
Join Date: Jan 2021
Default

I used this write up to remove my dummy button so I can route my access port cable through the hole.

I’m having a lot of trouble getting the screw for the trim back into the hole though. I’m not using it right now but I’m curious if you had this issue as well?
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Old 02-18-2021, 11:21 AM   #3
Mister_G
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Member#: 499784
Join Date: Mar 2019
Vehicle:
2017 WRX
Crystal White Pearl

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Was that normally where the Fog light switch would be that you used?
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Old 02-18-2021, 12:43 PM   #4
Zak6182
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Member#: 481754
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Beaufort, SC
Vehicle:
2017 STi Base
Black

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mister_G View Post
Was that normally where the Fog light switch would be that you used?
Looks like different models use that panel and have different switches in different locations on it. On my 17 STi the fog light switch is on the turn signal, next to the headlight switch. Not sure what its used for in the WRX's but IIRC I saw a premium and thought "sooo that's what goes there"

To the OP. Very cool. I too don't like a bunch of aftermarket stuff mounted everywhere. If I ever have a need for it I'll have to remember this as an option.
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Old 02-18-2021, 01:30 PM   #5
Mister_G
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Member#: 499784
Join Date: Mar 2019
Vehicle:
2017 WRX
Crystal White Pearl

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zak6182 View Post
Looks like different models use that panel and have different switches in different locations on it. On my 17 STi the fog light switch is on the turn signal, next to the headlight switch. Not sure what its used for in the WRX's but IIRC I saw a premium and thought "sooo that's what goes there"

To the OP. Very cool. I too don't like a bunch of aftermarket stuff mounted everywhere. If I ever have a need for it I'll have to remember this as an option.
You are correct! I have a 2017 WRX base, and did an aftermarket fog light install and the switch went there on the panel.
It’s interesting to see how OP’s may be different. I remember I got a new switch panel with my fog kit. So I was wondering if maybe others could just order that switch panel with the extra fog light switch and just have it perform a different function. I remember I had to break off the old switch panel just to get it off
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Old 02-18-2021, 02:38 PM   #6
Jaws4God
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Member#: 521646
Join Date: Jan 2021
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: North Carolina
Vehicle:
2003 Impreza WRX 207
02C, 42C World Rally Blue

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wow that is cool!! i'm in the same boat that there are some things I want to add to the car but don't want to drill or destroy any part of it in case I either go back or it doesn't work like planned.
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Old 02-25-2021, 03:40 PM   #7
finest_bear
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Member#: 507156
Join Date: Oct 2019
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Very nice! I love making use of dummy buttons. I copied the dummy button design and put threads in it, then 3D printed it so I can use it as a mount for my AP.


edit: here's a picture of what I've done https://i.imgur.com/fdHz2yx.png
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