Rebuilding the power window switch
 

Has anyone ever rebuilt a power window switch? My driver's side switch is not working for rolling thw window up. I managed to get it up by hotwiring the window motor.

I noticed when I tested it, the switch sends normal voltage for bringing the window down, but low voltage bringing it up. The 'auto thing' that will stick to bring the window all the way down with one touch rather than holding the lever is also sticking when I try to go up.

I de-soldered and resoldered the switch for the drivers side. no use. It gets really hot when I lift it up. So what are the components I'd need and where could I find them?

honestly I wouldnt bother, just get a new one.
I had similar problems and ended spending a heap of time sldering up all sorts of weird systems to get it going but in the end just getting a second hand or new one was the best option

Isn't the auto window thing only on 94's and up?

You should check the prices on this part. It's in the 3 digits, easy.

I cleaned up the contacts on my passenger side switch. It was simply a matter of carefully using a couple of small screwdrivers to lift the plastic latches that hold the halves together. (It may be wise to let the plastic get good and warm in the sun so it isn't as brittle). Then I found that the metal contacts had little black spots where they touch. An eraser is perfect for removing the corrosion without removing the coating on the metal.

Dave

Cleaned all the slides and contacts, works like new.

I'm having the same problem too. Will try to clean it. I'm tired of hotwiring it also.

Thanks guys, I'll try cleaning all the contacts now. I'm not sure if the 'Auto' function is 94 and up, but my car is a 94. and I can't see spending $100+ for an electronic device I can fix. I've got soldering skills.And alot of free time. I'm betting the contacts are crap since power gets through still.

I'd think now that our cars are all over 10 years old, some elctronics issues will start to appear more frequently. Window switches will likely be one. Fixing these parts rather than buying ew ones will makes sense for many. I'll give it a shot and let you uys know what happens.

Rebuilt Mine With Poxy 10min (broken In Tab)

Alright, I fixed it up and it works great! The window goes up and down faster. Perhaps I'll put together a How-To doing the passenger window switch, as I only did the switch for the driver's window.

I can't see buying a new switch when it can be fixed with a little bit of work.

I tried rebuilding it and cleaning it off. It didnt work permantly, in a week, i was having the same prolbems again. I got a new switch to fix your same prolbem. The only downside was that i had to bend over while i paid Mazda for the part!

The plastic button on my switch was all that was broken but I went ahead and stripped the entire thing down and cleaned it as HDP did above. Be careful of all those tiny springs!

After the time and effort spent cleaning and tweaking the entire switch assembly it made exactly zero difference in my car's window speed :p: I now say just epoxy the buttons and leave it at that ;)

that part is US$128 (no doubt worse from dealerships) - so if there's a diy fix...

I repaired my broken window switch in a manner similar to what HDP describes above. I also repaired a broken tab on the switch using heat, since it's a thermoplastic. That was over four years ago and it's still going strong.

Some of you have mentioned window motors running slow. I've had this happen too, but it turned out the motor needed to be replaced, not the switch. I used salvage parts for that.

I try to repair everything that is practical before I go running off for parts--otherwise, I'd be broke...

My problem might have been a bit different. Yes it was dirty, but even after cleaning it, it still doesn't go up. It feels totally different than the passenger side, and you can't even hear the switch clicking, but I don't see any broken pieces in it. Any ideas?

It's cracked. If you take the switch apart you'll see that under the button is a finger that actuates the electrical portion of the switch. This finger snaps into the bottom of the button and the button typically cracks, allowing the button to move without the finger operating the switch.

Pull the finger out of the bottom of the button and then epoxy it back into place.

Just buy a new one, ive tried using contacts from surplus 626,mx3,323 window switches, sanding and polishing contacts, using new springs,etc...and their only temp fixes. save yourself the hassle and just buy a new one..that way youll know your good for atleast another 10 years

Thanks DamonB. Reinspected it again and found it was falling apart where the button connects to the arm. I had only looked at the arm itself for the crack.
Gonna epoxy it back when I get a chance.