window switch
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,747
Likes: 3
From: Owasso, OK
Sounds like the switch internal contacts need cleaned. Since they are located flat on the tunnel, they collect a lot of dust and debris. They can be disassembled in place but be careful not to loose any springs when you take the button off. Electrical spray cleaner and a pencil eraser will clean them up.
Dennis
Dennis
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,855
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From: Gilbert, AZ
Be sure not to use a anything metal to remove the copper contacts - One wrong touch and you'll blow the fuse.
Also remember to put the contacts back the same way removed.
Last comment - The contacts are quite flimsy so don't bend them, or you'll have a bugger of a time getting it to work again.
Also remember to put the contacts back the same way removed.
Last comment - The contacts are quite flimsy so don't bend them, or you'll have a bugger of a time getting it to work again.
Addict
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 383
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From: St. John's, NF, Canada
I would advise removing the switch in question from the console before attempting to disassemble it. Two reasons for this: less chance of loosing parts (lots of little ***** and springs in there) and the switch itself may not be the problem. I mention the latter because I recently attempted to fix one of my window switches that was requiring increasing levels of pressure to operate. Thought for sure the contacts were corroded...but was I wrong!
I decided to remove the switch to disassemble and am I glad I did. I found the the switch worked just fine. The problem was that part of the mounting hole for the switch was broken (a raised plastic bar at the rear of the switch cutout) and was allowing the switch to sink deeper into the console than was desireable. Without proper support, the switch would "resist" the downward pressure, require one to push harder on it.
You can tell if this might be your problem by visually inspecting the switches. If one or more appears to be lower than the others or the surrounding metal trim, then this might be the source of your problem. This might require you to operate the switch to note the difference in depth.
I suggest you pull the switch out of the console (unscrew the side carpet panels, then loosen/remove the console screws, unplug the switch and pop it out of the console...connector through the mounting hole). If you have the same problem as me, it will be evident...if not, then put the switch in a plastic bag (to retain flying parts), disassemble, clean and reassemble.
I am pretty sure you'll find more on cleaning the switches in the archives.It has come up on the forum before.
Regards,
SteveCo in St. John's
I decided to remove the switch to disassemble and am I glad I did. I found the the switch worked just fine. The problem was that part of the mounting hole for the switch was broken (a raised plastic bar at the rear of the switch cutout) and was allowing the switch to sink deeper into the console than was desireable. Without proper support, the switch would "resist" the downward pressure, require one to push harder on it.
You can tell if this might be your problem by visually inspecting the switches. If one or more appears to be lower than the others or the surrounding metal trim, then this might be the source of your problem. This might require you to operate the switch to note the difference in depth.
I suggest you pull the switch out of the console (unscrew the side carpet panels, then loosen/remove the console screws, unplug the switch and pop it out of the console...connector through the mounting hole). If you have the same problem as me, it will be evident...if not, then put the switch in a plastic bag (to retain flying parts), disassemble, clean and reassemble.
I am pretty sure you'll find more on cleaning the switches in the archives.It has come up on the forum before.
Regards,
SteveCo in St. John's
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,486
Likes: 161
From: Plano, Tx.
Kat,
I tried to rebuild mine (had the same problem as you had). The switches were totally gummed up with grease and crap (not sure where all that Shee-ite came from). I ended up just replacing them (both) and they work like a charm. The action in the switch just works a whole lot better than whatever they put in my 79. (20 year newer switch technology I guess)
At least try to rebuild them like Steve, Drew, and Dennis mentioned. You have nothing to loose. But if you cant, just pick one up from one of the bug 3. They're like $35 a piece or something.
Easy to put in, just plug and play. They look a hell of a lot better than the ones you're taking out also.
Good luck!
I tried to rebuild mine (had the same problem as you had). The switches were totally gummed up with grease and crap (not sure where all that Shee-ite came from). I ended up just replacing them (both) and they work like a charm. The action in the switch just works a whole lot better than whatever they put in my 79. (20 year newer switch technology I guess)
At least try to rebuild them like Steve, Drew, and Dennis mentioned. You have nothing to loose. But if you cant, just pick one up from one of the bug 3. They're like $35 a piece or something.
Easy to put in, just plug and play. They look a hell of a lot better than the ones you're taking out also.
Good luck!
