I know this has been covered before, but I just want to reiterate how dramatic a difference in operation new Power WIndow switches can make. I had swapped in power doors over the summer and my drivers side window would go up and down SOOO slow that I didn't even want to use it. Also if you pressed the switch all the way down the window would stop I had to carefully hold the switch about half way to get optimal performance from my windows.

So I decided I would replace my switches, and I wanted to use 84 switches because they are black and so is my interior . I did it yesterday and was surprised at how much better my windows work. They aren't like my 99 Alero, but they still go up and down a lot faster than they did before and no more holding down the switch half way. Worth replacing with new IMO.

Yes, switches/relays can have a huge effect on any circuit that uses a large amount of current like the window motors. Those motors can draw 10-12 amps each easy. (The circuit is breakered for 30 amps so you can run both motors at the same time. I believe each motor also has a breaker inside it.)

Even a small voltage drop across a crappy set of contacts can cause a huge restriction in current to the motors. It's the same as having a bad solenoid or battery cable on a starter.

I've tried to make just this point several times here in the past. Most people don't realize how much current is going thru the window switches. Power windows are one of the only circuits that don't use relays in most cars. (This has only changed in the last few years where the switch is now just a signal to the Body Control Module in some recent models.)

If the window switches aren't completely hosed... they can often be taken apart and cleaned as long as you are careful. The problem here is that most switches are just too worn, and won't make good connection even when cleaned.

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Be alert. The world needs more lerts...

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top of every forum page...)

youd be suprized at what a world of a differance it makes to pull off the door panels, and take a can of Brake parts cleaner, and clean out all the ditry cruddy grease and then lube it up with NEW white lithuim grease

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Rich AIM one fast 2m8

Just today, I took my switches out of the car (along with the rest of the dash) and decided to try to refurbish them. I replaced the switches in my 86SE, and also noticed the huge difference. I just got my GT, and the interior was not as clean as I wanted, I had planned on replacing the switches, but was amazed at how simple they are to take apart. Look at what I found inside of the switch

It may be hard to see but it looks like years of old armorall, and dust and cigarette ashes. I cleaned it out with contact cleaner, and repainted the gray portion of the switch with krylon.

I am waiting on the switch buttons to dry over night before I handle them, but they look like new... And will do the job until I spring for brand new ones.

Cleaning the top is nice appearance wise...

The motor's problem is the bottom half. If the tops look that bad then the bottom part isn't to well off.

Yes, cleaning the tracks is also important. You have to do both tracks and switches to most old cars... Many people only do one and wonder why it doesn't help much if at all.

I know, and that is the scary part. I used a small tube and sprayed the contact cleaner deep inside the body of the switch to blast out the crud. I got a lot out, but I will see how effective it was when I put it back in the car. This is a temp fix until I get new switches. There are other things more pressing that I want to spend the cash on right now.

quote Originally posted by theogre: Cleaning the top is nice appearance wise... The motor's problem is the bottom half. If the tops look that bad then the bottom part isn't to well off.

quote Originally posted by theogre: The problem here is that most switches are just too worn, and won't make good connection even when cleaned.

So you could take the load off the switch by wiring in relays, right? That gets pricey and bulky, since you'd need a relay for each switch for up and down. I doubt four relays would even fit in the console..

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Great thread guys! The power windows don't work on my project car. I just happened to have the switches in the house tonight so I took them apart for a cleaning. You can get at the contacts by prying the side of the switch away from the circuit card with a jewlers screwdriver & tilting the card to the side. Couldn't believe the dirt & corrosion on the contacts. They're bright & shiny now with new lube. Can't wait to try the windows tomorrow.

connecticutFIERO
Thank you very much for posting this, I was wondering why the windows on my car were so extremelly slow, I will try to clean the switches and the tracks

It can be done with relays... much cheaper to replace the switches in most cases.

You would need 4 double pole single throw relays that can handle 15-20 amps to do it. These are not standard relays for most automotive applications.

the relays have to be rated well above what the motors draw or they will burn the contacts in very short order. Also this is DC current... DC amps do allot more damage to contacts than AC amps. If a relay/switch says it handles 20 amps AC it may only handle 5-10 amps DC without burning out the contacts.

Corvettes have a major problem with window switches, luckily they only cost about $12 each.

My Mercedes SL needed new switches every 3 or 4 years too.

I dont know why they just dont put a rubber seal boot over them. Pointing up, with exposed edges just asks for liquids and dirt to collect in them.

quote Originally posted by theogre: You would need 4 double pole single throw relays that can handle 15-20 amps to do it. These are not standard relays for most automotive applications.

Not trying to be argumentative, but depending on if the switches rest at ground or rest at nothing, it could be done with four standard 12V 30A SPDT Bosch relays. But then I haven't even looked to see where the Fiero switches rest at..

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: I dont know why they just dont put a rubber seal boot over them. Pointing up, with exposed edges just asks for liquids and dirt to collect in them.

'Cause then the GM parts machine wouldn't be able to sell you replacements!

Seriously, though - some of the new switches I've seen are made by TRW and are sealed and look like a very solid design. I picked up two sets from the '03 Silverados for another project I'm working on. Heh. For $20. Next time I'll remember to get the connectors with 'em, GM wants $120 for the plastic plug.