Window Switch Upgrade?

[keagy]

Is there an upgrade to the SC window switch. I have replace three switches in the last 2 years because the pivot pins breaks. Is there a different year with a better quality switch (with the same fit/look)?

Thanks,
Shawn

[CARRERIC]

Funny you should mention that. I replace mine every other month with the same problem.

Eric

[n8marx]

As many of these as I've replaced you'd think they'd sell them in a bulk pack.

[JavaBrewer]

Ok here's a quick question - 86 Carrera - drivers side passenger window switch only works in the down mode. Do I have to pull the door panel off to replace or can I pry the faulty switch out without damaging the door panel?

[n8marx]

The switch will pry right out of the door. Friction fit. Just be sure to use a piece of wood to pry against rather than the door panel itself. It'll pop right out.

[ruf-porsche]

If you pry the switch out, chances are the electrical connectors will also become detach from the switch. to install the connector you will most certainly have to remove the panel since the electrical leads are very short.

[thabaer]

C'mon, you guys must know the ultimate upgrade path would permanently eliminate switch problems AND shed probably about 10 kilos of excess weight

[JavaBrewer]

Thanks for the replies everyone - wish I could go with the pry method. n8marx, you have an 86, were your connectors long enough to not pull out of the switch?

Frankly, I'm on the chunky side and could stand to lose 15-20lbs. I would find it very hypocritical of me to start yanking components from my Carrera to save weight when I could accomplish the same by not shoving as much food down my throat.

[Argo]

It's a tight fit, but I can change my switch by carefully prying it out (it helps to make notes about which wire attaches where) and then using a curved forceps to slide the wire spades onto the new switch connectors. I get about 1 inch of room to work with. I also disconnect the battery first so I don't short anything out in the process.

Argo
88 Targa

[n8marx]

David,

The switches can definitely be pryed out of the door. I have replaced every window switch in my car at least once and all of my electrical leads are long enough to change out without removing the door panel. They are a bit on the short side but it is definitely doable. Just be sure not to let them fall into the door while detached from the old switch.

Good luck.

I just re-read your post. Yes, the leads are long enough to pull the switch out of the door panel with out the leads detaching.

[JMPRO]

I have repaired those swithces before with good results. A careful disassembly, noteing the correct placment of the parts and the little plastic pivot pins are replaced with ones of like size cut from small nails. After replacing several of thoses switches i decided to find a cheaper replacment, Audi, VW maybe, no one it seems uses the same switch out of a cheaper parts bin. It was then i took the broken one apart and said " well shoot, i can fix that". Repairs soon followed on the other two switches , which was'nt long as the life cycle of these parts is quite short. That was 10 years ago and not one of the repaired switches has failed. If you have an old broken switch you have nothing to lose by trying a fix.
Jerry

[keagy]

Jerry,

Replacing the plastic pin with a nail is a great idea. I 'll give it a try.

Thanks,
Shawn

[Sonic dB]

$20 a pop these switches...Ive had 4 go bad in 6 months... heck, even the replacement switch went bad within a month and Pelican replaced that one under warranty.

Its not like Im jamming them up and down, just gently pushing up and down.

Terrible design.

They should be sold at about $2.50 each cause thats all they are worth if that.