BrickBoard Archives
The files contained in this listing have been automatically archived from the active forums. Because the vast majority of posts are now in one place, this archive is considered legacy. You should use the SEARCH feature OR choose your topic and select date tabs within the forum you choose.
850 window switches[ALL/1988] posted by Tony G on
Saturday, 21 February 1998, at 3:28 p.m.
My window switches have a mind of their own. They work when they want to.
Whoever decided to put the cupholders directly over the switches wasn't to smart. After numerous coffee spills and condensation from soda cans, the switches work when they want to. Does anyone know how to get the plate surrounding the switches off so I can get at them with some contact cleaner?
95 850T Sedan (ECU & Exhaust)
Re: 850 window switches[ALL/1988] posted by Rick Ewald on
Sunday, 22 February 1998, at 10:52 a.m.
Ok you asked for it.
To remove the window switchs you have to remove the center console.
Warning before you start this is a delicate operation and if you start forcing things you will break and damage some very expensive trim pieces. If you have wood trim protect it with masking tape.
To start open the ashtray. in the two upper corners of the opening are two torx screws, remove them and the ashtray assembly.
Feel around on the tray below the ashtray near the cig lighter, there are two screws on the front vertical edge near the cig lighter. Remove them and lift the tray, disconnect the wires to the cig lighter.
Disconnect the two electrical connectors (don't break the tabs that hold them into the dash or you could have a rattle)
screwed straight down below the tray you just removed are two more screws, remove them.
pull on the hand brake and remove the cover under the handle by pulling.
You did not say if you had an automatic or stick. If you have a stick you must carefuly pinch inward on the back of the boot where it conncets to the center console (be careful it will not take rough handling).
Open the cneter console lid, use a screwdriver and pry up the little cover on the bottom of the compartment. Remove the two screws that you find there. (on some years these have an 8 mm head.
At this point you can remove the center console. When removed take it to the workbench and turn upside down, unclip the wiring harness and push the switch out from the bottom.
HINT drink your coffe black and diet soda's-- they don't glue the switches :-)
Rick Ewald
Re: 850 window switches[ALL/1988] posted by Mark Klein on
Sunday, 22 February 1998, at 5:10 p.m.
You don't need to remove the ashtray to remove the console.
I have used regular liquid lighter fluid to clean some switches. Just squirt a little in the switch and work it about 100 times. This can fix some of them.
Re: 850 window switches[ALL/1988] posted by Rick Ewald on
Sunday, 22 February 1998, at 5:19 p.m.
Mark,
Yes, it not necessary to remove the ashtray, but unless you have a short torx driver you will find life much eaiser if you do. After all how long does it take to remove two screws?
Rather than lighter fluid, I have heard of good results with Windex or Brake clean
Rick
Re: 850 window switches[ALL/1988] posted by Ed Lipe on
Sunday, 22 February 1998, at 5:48 p.m.
I'd opt for the Windex to dissolve the Cola and crud in the switches. Brake cleaner would tend to melt plastic. The most drastic I'd use is probably iso alcohol
Re: 850 window switches[ALL/1988] posted by Mark Klein on
Monday, 23 February 1998, at 8:29 p.m.
Lighter fluid was recommended to me by our factory rep.
Re: 850 window switches[ALL/1988] posted by Rick Ewald on
Wednesday, 25 February 1998, at 9:29 p.m.
Mark,
Far be it from me to say anything bad about your factory rep but here are a few things you might want to consider.
1. Most likely the switchs are gummed from sodas (sugar) or coffee (sugar or creamer). Now I don't know about creamer, but I can tell you that sugar is a lot more soluable in water than any petrol based product.
2. Brake Clean is chemically very close to electrical contact cleaner (except more technicians have Brake Clean), and the brand that I use is non-flamable. Also these products are not agressive against plastics. (carb spray is a totaly different story)
3. Lighter fluid's mission in life is to burn, and there is a spark inside the switch eveytime the switch is operated. Now I agree that the odds of this spark causing a fire as a result of cleaning the switch with lighter fluid is very low, it does however exist. I don't know about you but this is one comeback I would rather not face. :-(
4. Windex will evaporate completly as will Brake Clean, but lighter fluid will leave a oily residue.
Bottom line is it's your call. You are the guy doing the work and it's you reputation on the line.
Rick