Bjbpe

I'm getting ready to replace my two window switches (as described in the notes from folks; thanks) I was looking down at my console today after getting ready to go to work and something struck me. The two outer switches for the windows have nice clear emblems (because they are probably only a couple years old) while the decals on the two inner switches are totally worn off (because they've never been replaced). Now, I don't know about the rear wiper switch; it only works in one direction. However, the sunroof switch works both ways and it has been used a lot by me in the 25 years of use. How come it has held up while the windows have crapped out at least four times. Just curious.

Bjbpe

Please disregard the note above. I've never had a thread go through two pages before and I couldn't figure out where my earlier comment had gone. Just pulled my head out of a dark place behind my torso and realized what was going on.

MainePorsche

Barney,
You will use the windows more often than the sunroof. All those little halfway up and downs are wear on the switches. Once open, or closed, then sunroof doesn't get manipulated that often.

Bjbpe

Good Point Mr. Maine. Incidently, my son graduated from Colby. We spent a lot of time skiing at the two major ski areas (I'm 77 years old; can't remember their names).

tmpusfugit

A properly designed switch, properly installed, and used in a circuit that does not exceed its current rating SHOULD last several hundred thousand actuations. Obviously ours do not last long at all in many cars. Why? Poor design switch for the location, they are unsealed which allows in dirt/dust/spilled coffee, etc. It is actually a very old design that has been used in other cars with similar results. The window motors evidently draw more current than the switch reasonably tolerates is one problem. Also, the motor itself evidently does not have a capacitor across its leads to lessen arcing across the switch. Take the dirt, the poor switch design, questionable arc protection, questionable current rating, it is no wonder the switches fail frequently. Add in excessive current draw caused by dirty rails in the window, worn followers, dried up lubrication in the gearbox of the motor, surprise, we have failed switches…then there are the mechanical problems that several others have developed good work arounds to repair...plastic warping is just poor quality plastic design and casting work...

risaac928

+1 in regards to above repair.....now my sunroof works and my drivers side window opens and closes....one question...should I put electric grease on the connections after I clean them.

Shark2626

..

Randy V

Whatever happened tp our resident curmudgeon Barney?

C531XHO

I sprayed deoxit in my dodgy switch. It began to smoke..

Shark2626

..

C531XHO

I know to do this but can't remember if l did or not - possibly not. My point is standard deposit is flammable so presumably needs time to dry (solvent to evapourate)