Repair Broken / Fallen GE Snowflake Pathway LED Lights - Replacement Connector Guide

GE StayBright Snowflake Pathway Markers have a fatal flaw - the plastic connector knob that attaches the snowflake to the stake breaks after 2-3 seasons outdoors. Once broken, the entire set becomes useless, even though the lights themselves work perfectly.

Instead of buying a new set, let us fix the one we already own!

A 3D printed replacement connector can restore your pathway lights. This guide walks you through the simple installation process.

• Replacement connector knob (purchase or print - see step 1)

• Your broken GE snowflake pathway light

• A small Phillips screwdriver (J00 works well)

Option A - Purchase Pre-Made (Easiest):

Ready-to-install replacement knobs, 3D printed in PLA, are available on:

• eBay: 2-pack, 4-pack and an 8-pack

Option B - DIY Print (For Makers):

If you have access to a 3D printer and would like to design your own:

• Material: PLA or PETG filament

• Dimensions: 47mm long, 13mm wide and 7mm thick

• Print time: ~60 minutes

• Infill: 100% (needs strength for outdoor use)

I do not currently share the STL publicly as this is a product I sell to sustain my 3D printing hobby, but the measurements above should be sufficient for experienced modelers to recreate the design.

Now let's install it...

Each snowflake is made up of two plastic parts held together by clear rubber bands and 8 small screws.

First, remove the two rubber bands at the foot of the snowflake (see red arrow). Be careful when pulling them over the broken connector - they are brittle!

Next, place the snowflake on a working surface with the screws pointing upwards. Use the J00 (or another small) Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the 8 screws holding the snowflake together.

Note: during assembly, be careful not to over-tighten these screws because they are easy to strip.

Gently pull the back plastic cover upwards, opening up the snowflake.

Be mindful not to disrupt the internal wiring layout to make it reassembly easier. If that happens, use the picture here to help rearrange things together.

Note: if the snowflake bottom (near connector / knob) seems to be stuck together, make sure to remove the rubber pieces. See previous step

Pull out the broken knob / connector (see circled image). It should come out pretty easily.

Put the replacement connector - it fits in a specific orientation. Make sure that the connector cylinder goes through the snowflake opening and the octagonal part remains on the outside of the connector. See images for placement details.

Note: make sure the green wires pass through a cutout, otherwise the two parts would not close. See arrows

Now, we are ready for reassembly!

Press the snowflake back cover we took off in Step 3 firmly on top of the opened snowflake. Make sure the two halves come together without gaps. Any gaps indicate wires may have shifted and are in the way and need to be adjusted.

While holding the two halves tightly, place and screw the 8 screws using the small (J00) screwdriver. Be careful not to over-tighten these screws because they are easy to strip.

Re-pull the two rubber bands onto the foot of the snowflake (see red arrow). Be careful when pulling them over the broken connector - they are brittle!

The final step is to enjoy the renewed snowflake lights!