I'm having trouble with the drivers side window. It takes numerous stabs on the switch before the window drops down. I'm assuming it's the switch. I'd like to switch the switch locations since I use the drivers window often.
Any help on how to release the switch panel would be appreciated.

There was a good discussion of this problem and the remedy within the last couple of months. It's a tricky process and the final solution requires a soldering iron and a couple of pairs of hands--at least in my case. I screwed up the switch but had had the foresight to move its position to control the rear window which can still be controlled by the armrest switch. I would recommend removal of the console rather than trying to access the switches from the top of the console--the process is a little longer but you can replace the shifter bulb at the same time and clean everything. Good luck.

Also, are you sure the wiring in the driver's door near the hinge is ok? On a 240 I had this had got pinched and caused intermittent operation of the window. It finally separated altogether at which time I spliced the broken ones.

Before replacing the switch - did you try a generous application of contact cleaner (which you can get at radioshack or other electronic supply houses)? I used it to good effect on the mirror switches - some of the drivers in my living unit spill coffee, soda, etc. from time to time. It worked also on a stove igniter in my house which was contaminated with baconfat.

Last time I took a rocker switch apart was on my departed 780. The bottom of the switch was a metal strip bent like a rocker which would rock forward to raise the window and rock backward lower the window. On top of that strip was a very small ball bearing held down by a spring, and the spring was in a plastic shaft which is part of the visible black plastic switch.
So, if you pry up the plastic black switch, that is what you will find. The metal strip gets covered in coke and other things spilled on it and needs to be polished clean. Sand paper works. When reinstalling, place the metal strip dead center. coat the spring ends with grease so that the ball bearing will stay stuck to the spring and gently lower the switch down and snap it back into place. Keep a magnet handy to find the bearing and spring you will lose between the seat and the console!
Only go to the dealer if you get desperate.

Klaus

--
98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Sometimes you can find the switch unit on eBay. Cheaper than the dealer but make sure it fits your model year and gauranteed to work or your money back.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

You didn't say what year your 850 is, but here's the story on my '97, other years may be different:

You have to remove the center console to get the switch assembly out, it is installed from underneath.

Those switches are all soldered together with metal strips for the connections, so disassembling the unit is a royal pain.

It is possible to pry the rocker off the switch from above and clean the switch, but this procedure has a high failure rate, and it's easy to damage/mar the plastic rocker and lose bits of the inside of the switch. Reassembly isn't all that easy, and this may not cure your problem even if it goes OK.

I recommend you just purchase the switch/harness unit and replace it. It's about $150 from the dealer.

Mike