Sounds like replacement is in order. There's no way to do this without pulling the radio. There are a number of posts on removal -- try searching for "center console removal" or "radio removal", etc. This is the first one I found and will get you started but I know I've seen better ones on the forum:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=6881&highlight=center+console+removal
BUT this ends up going towards pulling out the shiftgate and window switch console, not the hazard one.
After you get the ashtray and the radio out, the hazard light console will need to be pulled down a bit (gently) and then will come out. The switch is accessible from there. I rep'd the defroster switch a few mos ago. $19 sounds about right. There's likely a wire going to the switch and a fiber-optic cable to light the switch itself. I think the switch is removed by pushing it through the wood towards the passenger compartment, not back through towards the engine compartment -- reason it didn't work to pry is that there's a clip on the top and bottom of most of those that need to be disengaged first. Plan on some time for this job. It doesn't take that long but you do need to be patient.
Hope this helps and welcome...the info on these forums has been invaluable in working on my 420.
John