Window switch or motor, how can I be certain?

[Reginabiel]

I'm starting to fix little areas of my car, which I thought I couldn't do, but after replacing the DME relay, I feel like a pro. Thanks to the group here. Great help.
Now, I have another issue, perhaps I can get ideas on how to fix it, that's is if I can at all.
The problems is. Passenger window will go down from using the passenger switch only. Using the driver switch for the passenger window does not work. Well, sometimes it does. Actually, at time using driver and or passenger switch for the window when the weather is Cold does not work. Eventually it does. Don't know what's going on with the passenger window.
Also, driver side switch does not work at all. Could it be the switch or the motor? Is there a way to check if the problem is the motor or the switch? If this job is somewhat easy, I probably could do it, if not, my baby has to sea doctor.
Any input is appreciated. Thx

[80-911SC]

get an electrical tester and test the switches .. but you need to pull the door panel to do that ... may be a good idea to buy a switch or two so when you open it up you will have the means to put it back together right away ... when I bought my car one of the things the PO showed me was the two extra switches he had bought a few years before and only used one new one and the other two went in the glove box ..... they are available from your host here by the way .. and they are not that expensive ...

Now if its the motor .. sit down .. breathe in deep a few times then look up the part and then breathe again and look at the price ... I wouldn't recommend buying an extra cause they are not cheap ... cleaning them and the track and the connections to the harness would also help a bit and could not hurt ... the door is likely dirty inside ...

[Reginabiel]

I think I can remove the door panel and test the switches. Good idea, will order a couple of switches. I might be able to replace the switch if need be. I think I'll take a picture before I remove the old to lessen any confusion. By cleaning it, what do I clean it with? Like that spray that is use to clean key boards? Will that work? Or maybe contact spray? Thx

[tazzieman]

Originally Posted by Reginabiel

I think I can remove the door panel and test the switches. Good idea, will order a couple of switches. I might be able to replace the switch if need be. I think I'll take a picture before I remove the old to lessen any confusion. By cleaning it, what do I clean it with? Like that spray that is use to clean key boards? Will that work? Or maybe contact spray? Thx

Before you pull the switches make absolutely sure you label what goes where! Clean the contacts (rub with with spirits of some sort ) and if you wish , place some dielectric grease on the contacts. Also , prise the swicth open and degrease , clean (& light sand) the contacts and the little ball bearings. The contacts to the motors might also need some TLC, but start with the switches.

You can test by switching the other one (which is likely to be good).

[Reginabiel]

Thanks so much. I'm going to have to take my time doing this. Don't want to make a mistake. On top of the picture I will do as you suggested. Label.

[80-911SC]

for the copper contacts the old pink eraser on your kids pencil does wonders for the contacts ... for the switches I use contact spray cleaner .. the brand I use is crc and it has a picture of electrical switches on the can ...does a good job ....

[Reginabiel]

I hate to sound so ignorant (but I am) I supposed I would use the eraser to clean the copper contacts? Correct? And where can I purchase the contact cleaner? Would autozone or other automotive stores would have them?

[gregwils]

You can test the switches, but I have news for you. You will eventually be buying switches, so you might as well buy one or two right now. Install the new one, hopefully the window works. If it does, disassemble the existing switch and you can see the contacts that need cleaned and how it works. You will need really fine sandpaper, not an eraser.

If it is not the switch, the motor may still be OK, it's just more work. You really need to pull the whole motor and window regulator (up/down gear) out. You can test the motor by running wires directly to your battery. Sometimes a good cleaning and you are good to go. The Targa motors are more expensive, so check it before you assume it's dead.

[Skip1]

I had similar issues with my '84 and it ended up being the switches. You should actually be able to remove the switches without taking the panels off, although the wires on my car were quite short on the passenger side which made needle noze pliers essential (and make sure you write down where each coloured wire comes from (5 wires on each switch). BEFORE you pull the switch off, disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. It's a 25 amp fuse and you probably don't want to hear a CRACK sound coming from under the hood. If you are taking off the door panels (PITA IMHO) then you can certainly clean the tracks and lub as well, but confirm it's not the switches to start. The passenger side is connected to the driver side (that's where the signal originates from. If the switch is actually hard to toggle, then it's likely the switch (pray it is...). I'd start with the driver's side personally. Contact cleaner and toggling can do wonders, but at a certain point... replace them, they are amazingingly enough, one of the cheaper parts on your car....

Good luck

[DRACO A5OG]

+1 remove the switch from the panel, if PO did not bind them on a prior access the wires will be long enough to work on.

Just take care how you pull them as not to damage them, a wide plastic paint scrapper will do the trick and placesome painter's tape as not to mar the panel.

I used autozone contact cleaner and a dremel with polish tip to polish the old contacts.

To test the switch, swap them around and see if the issue can be duplicated, try it several times, you have 3 of them

[Mysterytrain]

As said above it sounds like the switch. If you replace them make sure you buy the factory switch. The knock-off's are about half the price and are crap. I've had them fail right out of the box.

[kidrock]

in case it hasn't been said already, make doubly sure which wire goes where when cleaning or replacing the switches (I recommend replacing them).

Take pictures during disassembly, or draw a diagram. You will be much happier and increase your chances for success considerably.

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by Mysterytrain

As said above it sounds like the switch. If you replace them make sure you buy the factory switch. The knock-off's are about half the price and are crap. I've had them fail right out of the box.

+1 the cheap ones are TRUE CRAP

[Reginabiel]

Hopefully this will not be to difficult. I dont know anything about any of this, but i am certainlynone to follow instructions well. Normally when anything goes wrong with the car, I take it to my mechanic right away. But I've decided, I want to be more involve and learn what I can. Not to mention it will save me a bill or two. The first time ive done anything on my car was to replace the DME relay, thanks to Pelican participants. After replacing it, gollyngee wow, it worked. I was so proud of my self. Now, its time to try the switch. I' ll go ahead and order the switch. When it arrives, i will follow everyone's instructions. Will get back to you guys and let you know what happened. Wish me luck. Thx everyone.

[DRACO A5OG]

Oh yeah, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY, negative side, ( no worries, you may get a slight spark when reconnecting due to the clock and trunk/cab light but nothing to worry about ) reconnect when ready to test. it is an extra step but safer for you and your baby.

We're here to help Brother so don't be shy, soon you will be giving advice to others

[rnln]

First thought, it's the driver switch for the pssenger door. I would test that switch by pulling another good switch to swap with that bad switch to see if my theory is correct. I did have to pull the door panel to do this, just care fully spry the switch itself, but be very careful when pulling those wire behind it. Pull the neggative battery cable before doing anything to be safe. Remember the possition of the wires.
There is a risk of shorting/crossing wires if you are not careful enough, so it as your own risk.

[Reginabiel]

I'll make sure that I disconnect the negative side of the battery first before I do anything. Oh, and by the way, I am a sister not a brother. Thx again.

[Bob Kontak]

Here is a decent tutorial on multi-meter use.

THE BEST Multimeter tutorial (HD) - YouTube

[Reginabiel]

As Draco suggested, I tried to purchase Autozone contact cleaner, the guy I was talking to didn't know what the heck I was talking about. I tried to explain to him what I need to use it for, he has no clue and he was supposed to be the most knowledgable one there. I will have to try another place sometime today. Right now I'm more concern about my targa top.

[DRACO A5OG]

Sister, well...... thank you for the correction Sister Regina

Here you go:


Jim