456M: A/c Air Re-circulating button does not depress . . .

On my 456M, the air Re-circulating button does not depress fully down.

When I press it, it 'POPS' right back up - thereby not allowing me to re-circulate the cabin air when I want it to.

I made an attempt earlier in the day to remove the A/C panel and see whats going on behind the button, but no such luck. I couldn't seem to pry it loose and didn't want to break anything.

So my question is two fold.
1) What's the fix for this button? Some extra parts?
2) How in the world do I get the AC panel extracted so I can see what's going on back there?

Input would be much appreciated!

Thanks!
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Here is what I found out:

You can pull the OFF / AIR RE-Circulation buttons off and see what is inside.
It consists of a spring + a plastic piece that acts as on/off switch. This plastic switch is what is causing the problem. I've attached a photo of this swtich. The ends of the plastic switch is shaven off due to wear and now the swtich won't depress and stay put.

I've check with Ricambi regarding getting a replacement swtich, but it doesn't look like it is available as a separate item. The whole A/C head unit is about $1600. It is too bad, because this is just an easy fix with a small replacement plastic part.

What to do, what to do . . .

Maybe I will try and fabricate something.
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