window switches: replace 'em both?

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

One of my window switches has decided that it likes to stick in the locked and upright position (must think we're preparing for landing or something). The question is, while I'm in there, should I go ahead and replace both? I have this feeling that I'll replace the one, and a week later the other one will die.

KTL · 12-10-2003, 09:22 AM

Got the same problem.

If Murphy's Law follows you around like it does me..........

I plan to do 'em both.

Wait 'til you see how many wires are on the switches. It's kinda funny.

Kemo · 12-10-2003, 09:25 AM

yeah...get ready to take a few notes on which wires go where...its a mess in there.

Dantilla · 12-10-2003, 09:36 AM

On my NARP 944 race car, the passenger side window had never worked from the driver's side. When the passenger side switch became intermittant, I changed that one only, and now the driver's side switch works too.

The electrical system is more complex than it needs to be. At least on the 944, ithe switch simply unplugs- No need to remember where wires go.

12-10-2003, 10:11 AM

Put in Subaru switches

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark Wilson
Put in Subaru switches

I would, but they make my elbow itch, and I sent all my Gold Bond powder to you...

KTL · 12-10-2003, 10:57 AM

I agree with Brian's advice of not fixing things that aren't broke.

But in this case I think the extra replacement is not a bad idea.

1. Usually both windows are opened/closed together so
the switches are probably seeing somewhat the same amount
of use.

2. Taking off the door panel kinda sucks.

3. The problem starts with the switch "sticking" in the up
position, then the rocker starts falling out of the switch
housing altogether and a little lube is not much of a fix.

Bob's Flat-Six · Bob's Flat-Six's Garage

My driver side window switch was sticking a little too and I bought two new switches because the old one is shiney and the new ones are a matted finish. They just pull out and plug in as I recall.
But it was sticking almost a year ago and so I sprayed some wd40 on it and it's still working.
You need to flip/shift them kinda like a 915

so they last

12-10-2003, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nostatic
I would, but they make my elbow itch, and I sent all my Gold Bond powder to you...

You saw how much I need it

JMPRO · JMPRO's Garage

I mentioned this in another thread but it applys here. These swiches can be repaired most of the time. What usually breaks is the plastic pivot pin the rocker hinges on. Drill out the broken plastic on both sides and replace with a small piece of a nail same dia. as the plastic pin. At $25.00 bucks a piece for those crappy swiches i'll do a repair. All 3 of mine have been done for years without a single problem.
Jerry

Groesbeck Hurricane · 12-10-2003, 05:18 PM

All three of mine went out within two months of each other. I would replace both but I just replaced both headlights and only one went out. The other was quite dull, even made me look bright...

Bob's Flat-Six · Bob's Flat-Six's Garage

Good info, Jerry

Moses · 12-10-2003, 09:12 PM

My passenger widow failed, so I replaced the switch. Five wires for a switch that goes up and down? Sheesh. Anyway, turned out to be the window motor. Replaced that.

Two months later, my NEW switch fails. Broken. Kaput. The other 20 year old switches work great. I found my old, discarded 20 year old switch and reinstalled it. Probably good for another 20 years.