How to fix/clean 348 (maybe others) Window Switches

O.K., So I woke up this morning with some ambition after a full night out with the wife at the casino. Consider this my penance.

After reading a couple posts on 348 window switch replacement and the hassles involved in finding inexpensive replacements I decided to write up a little "How To" on the fixing and/or cleaning of the switch before you spend the money on a new one. The switch is actually very basic and it was made by TRW/Torrix who also makes these same switches for Land Rover, that is how I became familiar with their repair. It is very easy and straight forward.

1. Take the switch body a part. This is very easy but can get harder if you don't go slow and use shims or in my case a flat head screw driver and dental pick, one of either side at the same time. this will release the tabs holding the parts together. Do not pry to hard at the sides so you do not break the plastic.

2. Pull out the switch mechanism and look it over for melting, breakage etc. If it is not broken then continue.

3. Take the bar the the end of each end of the switch and pull back on the spring to release the actual switch plate on either side. You may have to carefully move the LED light out of the way for one side. Also, before you do this note the position of each plate in orientation to the switch body for reassembly.

4. Now that the plates and springs are removed carefully clean all the major contact points including the plate pivots for the switch (red circles). Remember that the switch makes contact both at the top and bottom of the center contact stand so you must clean underneath as well. I like to clean all of the metal in the switch using electronic parts cleaner and emery or a small very fine brass brush.

5. Prepare to reassemble. I find it easier to reassemble the plates by using needle nose pliers. You can then pull back the spring by hand. If you have moved the LED remember to move it back to where it was when you started.

6. Just slide the mechanism back into the switch cover until it snaps and then go test the switch!

The whole operation takes about 25 minutes per switch and can save you the wait time and the money to replace it. I hope this was helpful.

--Mike
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No problem. I have 3 recuperated switches ready for when the next "new" one fails too. You can never have enough spares I guess. Anyway, I am glad this thread helped.

Thanks,

Mike

 

My assumption is TRW/Torrix as they are exactly the same layout as some other switches I have from Land Rover. They do say AnSor on the case, you are correct. I have tried for a long time to match them with other manufacturers and I was unable to even come close. If you have a AnSor switch and can disassemble it and show that it is a usable replacement that would be great. The purpose of this thread is to show how to fix what came OEM, but I am sure people here would love an alternative it it was available.

--Mike