How To: Recondition 328 Windows Switches

I like many others had intermittently operating window switches so with advice from FChat I took them out and cleaned them. They now work like a champ!

Here is a quick how to.

First, remove the window switches. With the door open, there is a panel that will allow you access to the back of the switches. From there the switches will push out from the back. The switches are marked with paint. White is left and Red for right.

Once you get the switch out, you will need to take it apart. Prior to taking it apart, mark or remember the orientation of the internal parts versus the housing. If you get it backwards, up will be down and down up. See the picture below and this should help. Once you get the plastic past the retaining holes, do the same thing to the other side and the switch will come apart.
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Next you have to take apart the switch to clean the contacts. Use a pair of pliers to remove the lever from the switch.
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Now, lightly sand the contact point (arrow). I used 2000 grit sandpaper that I had lying around.
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Now you have to clean the contact on the switch itself. I used a small flat blade screwdriver since I couldn't get in there with sandpaper. The picture doesn't show the contact well but you should get the idea.
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Now, assemble the switch. Be sure to get the orientation correct (see first post) or you will have to take it apart and reverse it. Hopefully this can help you out. Happy cleaning!

Gene

 

Mine are working great but that is a really good info for a simple fix. I thought the engine had to come out if the windows had problems!!!
Thanks for the info and great with photo's....they make a big difference.Tony

 

Thanks a lot Tony. I get so much from FChat I need to start giving back some more.

Gene

 

Maybe next time you could wrap the small screwdriver with 2000 grit.

 

Although I do not have a 328, but this is an excellent thread. Great posts by Gene and great effort.

 

That is a good suggestion. I did try it, but 2000 grit seemed to break quite easily. The contact material on the switch (versus the lever) seems to be stronger so I felt comfortable with using a screwdriver. Maybe I'm just too impatient like my wife says.

Gene

 

Thanks Tarek! I have a few more to do, but I have to dig up the pictures.

Gene

 

I did this on my previous 328, but did not take the individual parts out....I just cut very small strips of 1000 and 1500 grit sand paper and closed the switch contacts on the strips and pulled them out...that and the wrap around thin object worked too...

Worked much better after that.

 

A screwdriver with a "textured" blade actually works quite well as a contact burnisher. You're just trying to get rid of any oxidation or baked on foreign matter (dust, etc).