Quite a few vehicles nowadays have the "Homelink" garage door opening system like the one pictured above. They're built right into the ceiling console so you don't have to mess with those more traditional remotes that you clip on the visor, etc. Those clip-on types tend to fall off or get misplaced so it's nice to have the built-in kind.

I have one of those in my van that I 've had for about 3 and 1/2 years and just a couple of days ago I had backed out of my garage and pushed the button as I've done hundreds of times. I didn't push it any harder than usual, but this time the little plastic button popped out and went up into the ceiling panel!

My first thought was, "no biggie, it can't cost more than a few bucks to have the service department replace the button and I'll be good to go again." So, I happily take the van to the local dealership the next day expecting to spend maybe twenty or thirty bucks and drive away with a working Homelink system.

Imagine my surprise when I was told that replacing that little plastic button would cost...get this....$1100!!!

Apparently, the whole console will have to be replaced which includes the digital compass and thermometer. Talk about your design flaw! Then again, maybe they designed it that way on purpose. Hmmmmm.

I would say that the chances of me paying over $1000 for a little plastic button are about the same as my chances of replacing Sam Champion as Good Morning America's weatherman.

It's time to dust off the old remote opener and clip it back on the visor!