My passengers side window has always been a bit sluggish, it eventually stopped raising the window. I replaced the switch and everything was fine for a while, but then that switch gave out, so once again I replaced it. That switch just gave out this morning. I can flip the connector around on the switch to raise the window, but in the proper position it will not go up. I'm gonna replace the switch one more time, but I'm running out of replacement switches and I'd really like to get to the bottom of this before I'm stuck with an open window somewhere in Downtown Detroit. Any Ideas as to what could be the source of my issue?

 

Have you opened the inoperative switches for a look-see to do determine what the problem is?

If they look over-heated then you may have a downstream problem causing excessive current to be pulled thru the switch-- excessive resistance in the window motor, poor connections somewhere, window mechanism dragging too heavily, that sort of thing

Or, simply.....

Some of the aftermarket replacement switches (if that's what you're buying) are even lower-grade than the originals. I had a couple duds over the years.

Cheers
DD

 

Doesn't the switch operate the relay? If so the the problem would be excessive current draw from the relay? Open the switch to investigate further.

 

No. The relay supplies voltage to the switch.

Cheers
DD

 

Good to know. Thanks Doug
I'm going to try your bumper trick to see if I can pull in 2 inches this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes

 

Have to agree with Doug, its seems there is a large power draw caused somewhere. also you may try spraying silicon along the tracks and into the window guides, they may have a bit of grim in them causing the window to drag going in the up position

 

As Doug suggested, if you carefully prise apart the switch (just enough pressure by a flat screwdriver blade to dislodge the fulcrum in the middle one sie from the moving part outer) a good clean up should do it. The window switches on these pre 1987 cars just stop working if they are used infrequently, and a clean up with fine emery paper and a shot of contact cleaner afterwards always fixes mine. Just note carefully when the cover is off where all the bits go before you get stuck into disassembly!
Greg

 

Yeah, I did that operation a few times, before I got a set of four that work reliably.


My "system" includes the following:


1. work over pans in the car and on the bench. Teeny parts and screws easily lost.


2. I use the Pozi or Phillps driver to push on the fulcrum from the side of the switch. That spreads the case a wee bit and frees the rocker.


At times, the front passenger window goes sluggish. it responds to revving the engine a tad. More volts???


Carl