Paddle Shifter for Kia Optima

This is the portion of the paddle shifter that fits into the switch base of the steering wheel paddle shifter assembly. The OEM part tends to develop fatigue fractures resulting in eventual compromise of its ability to function as it gets spongy and then quickly unusable. I had gone through two OEM shifters before deciding to make my own.

These work perfectly requiring no other modifications. To replace these, follow online videos to remove your steering wheel, detach the paddle shifter from the rear of the steering wheel, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to pry open the switch cover, then use the screwdriver to pry the paddle portion from the switch body. Remove the detent and contactor along with springs from the original paddle to the new one. Ensure the contactor legs are bend a bit beyond 90° to ensure they're retained properly and don't bind during usage. Slide the new paddle into the switch body and click hinge pins in place.

I printed mine out of PLA for simplicity and stiffness. However, if you park your car outdoors in hot climates, you may want to use PETG.

Print in upright orientation with hinge pins oriented on the vertical axis. Set infill and later height to liking. 25% and 0.2mm is probably the minimum for PLA.