How to clean your window switch contacts
04-01-2012, 01:54 PM
#21
I Tried No Good News
My power windows won't work. All four windows are not operating, I replace
the main power switch on driver door. None of the windows are not working
still, and it makes a funny sound when I try to raise down the driver door
window. I tried cleaning each switch on driver door and no change. I press
the switch on driver's door and the rear defrost light comes on. Can
somebody HELP ME Please?
the main power switch on driver door. None of the windows are not working
still, and it makes a funny sound when I try to raise down the driver door
window. I tried cleaning each switch on driver door and no change. I press
the switch on driver's door and the rear defrost light comes on. Can
somebody HELP ME Please?
05-21-2013, 07:10 PM
#24
2020 Sport
Thread Starter
Images updated, sorry guys. Moved website.
Majority of the time when your window will not roll up or down can be related to dirty contacts on the window switch. My drivers side and rear window started acting up and after cleaning all contacts I have never had an issue since. Following this tutorial may eliminate this issue and hopefully save you a few bucks on buying a new switch or paying Ford to diagnose the issue which may result in a hefty bill. Total time to clean 1 (one) switch should take no more than 10 minutes.
The pictures below show a window switch for passenger and rear window but the same apply to the drivers side. This also applies to year models 04 and up (not sure if it may apply to anything below a 04, others may confirm).
Before we begin you need to pop the top of your window switch door cover off which can be scary for some but just give it a tug and it will pop right off. Next unplug the wire harness from the back of the switch and remove the switch from the door cover.
#3 - In the red squares below you will see where the contacts are made to roll up or down your window when the white rocker switch is pushed forward or backwards. Under those those contacts is where dirt and grim can get built up and interfere with the connection. Make sure to clean on the back side of them as well as the main contacts (noted in second picture)
This picture shows a dirty and clean contact. I used a wire brush attachment off my Dremel to buff them up. You can also use small piece of sand paper or a little q-tip with some rubbing alcohol which does a great job.
Remember to clean under this:
and clean this:
Majority of the time when your window will not roll up or down can be related to dirty contacts on the window switch. My drivers side and rear window started acting up and after cleaning all contacts I have never had an issue since. Following this tutorial may eliminate this issue and hopefully save you a few bucks on buying a new switch or paying Ford to diagnose the issue which may result in a hefty bill. Total time to clean 1 (one) switch should take no more than 10 minutes.
The pictures below show a window switch for passenger and rear window but the same apply to the drivers side. This also applies to year models 04 and up (not sure if it may apply to anything below a 04, others may confirm).
Before we begin you need to pop the top of your window switch door cover off which can be scary for some but just give it a tug and it will pop right off. Next unplug the wire harness from the back of the switch and remove the switch from the door cover.
#3 - In the red squares below you will see where the contacts are made to roll up or down your window when the white rocker switch is pushed forward or backwards. Under those those contacts is where dirt and grim can get built up and interfere with the connection. Make sure to clean on the back side of them as well as the main contacts (noted in second picture)
This picture shows a dirty and clean contact. I used a wire brush attachment off my Dremel to buff them up. You can also use small piece of sand paper or a little q-tip with some rubbing alcohol which does a great job.
Remember to clean under this:
and clean this:
The following 2 users liked this post by XPerties:
roth214 (05-22-2013),
TheyCallMePower (02-27-2014)
05-22-2013, 04:08 AM
#25
Jordan
My power windows won't work. All four windows are not operating, I replace
the main power switch on driver door. None of the windows are not working
still, and it makes a funny sound when I try to raise down the driver door
window. I tried cleaning each switch on driver door and no change. I press
the switch on driver's door and the rear defrost light comes on. Can
somebody HELP ME Please?
the main power switch on driver door. None of the windows are not working
still, and it makes a funny sound when I try to raise down the driver door
window. I tried cleaning each switch on driver door and no change. I press
the switch on driver's door and the rear defrost light comes on. Can
somebody HELP ME Please?
Open your drivers side door, and try raising and lowering the window with the door open. If that doesn't work, grab the wiring boot that runs in the door jam between the cab and the door, and give it a yankin'. try your windows again.
Happened on a friend's truck, there was a wiring issue somewhere that a dealership ended up fixing for him.
