Wow, I have been wondering about this for TWO YEARS! Thanks for your prompt response (and photos). Its a good thing I didnt try prying out the buttons (which I have been tempted to do on several occasions). So the pods just pull out, and is there a plug on the back that the wiring gets connected to, or are there integrated contact points on the pod?

wires pull out.. small connectors on the back of the pods

Great info, thanks for sharing.

Removed the control pod and opened it up to see what could be done..... the diodes are EXTREMELY small, and do not appear servicable, except for someone who has enough hand-eye coordination to work on tiny parts with micro-tools under a magnifying glass. Also, the circuit board is sealed to some degree and might not be able to be put back together after disassembly. (Disassembly would be required to solder out diodes, if it is even possible). Therefore, I can safely say that this is truly, as GM parts dealers would call it, a "sealed and unservicable unit".

they arent that expensive

Left SideRight Side
*these are for the BLACK ones, shown several posts up*