Currently starved...a quick job

78 308 GTS

The window switches can cause high resistance with dirty contacts. This will lower the current to the window motors. My switches were intermittent and just needed cleaning. I did replace one because it physically broke.

This is double-worse on the passenger side because the current is fed through two switches, the driver’s side and passenger side in series with each other.

This is a quick job <15 minutes.

- Remove window switch by pulling gently on the bezel to work it out of the slot. It has two side expansion prongs to lock it in position.

- When the switch is out, gently pull the leads through the hole in the armrest. There is good slack that should let you get the switch about 3” out the hole to expose the leads.

- Use a Sharpie and mark the switch body and corresponding lead so that you don’t have to think when you put it back.

- Disconnect the leads and take the switch to the kitchen table.

- Gently…and I mean Gently… use a small flat tip screwdriver and pry the bezel off the switch. It just snaps on. Be careful as this plastic is old and brittle.

- Using the same flat tip, gently pry down where the rocker switch pivot is to release one side. Just get it slightly over the hole.

- You are going to do the second side but be prepared as this will shoot two springs and plungers across the room. You might use a back or a dish towel before popping the second rocker out. Do not be afraid because it goes back pretty foolproof. Th

- Gather up all the loose parts and clean them with a non-plastic-harming solvent like alcohol or electronic contact cleaner (I used a CRC product). Alcohol and Q-tips also work.

- Notice that the little V-shaped contacts have little tabs that rest in the bottom middle of the switch housing. The rocker slides spring loaded plungers up and down the sides of these V’s to make contact with the contacts in the switch body.

- Use an emory board or very light abrasive sandpaper to fully clean the contacts. Mine had pitting but the material (Silver?) is through and through so you should be fine.

- Put the springs and plungers in the rocker and put the contacts (V-side down) back into the switch body. Gently turn them both sideways so all the parts don’t fall out and snap the rocker back in.


- Beats $35 for a switch

-Rjay
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Thanks Rjay, I'll store this informative post away for future reference!

 

Thanks for write up and pix. The windows are next on my list of things to do, I'll have to add this to the mix.