Smokin' Switch

Topic: Smokin' Switch (Read 1724 times) previous topic - next topic

Smokin' Switch

June 07, 2010, 08:23:08 PM

I searched the forums, but have not come across my problem, so here goes...

Just rolled my windows down after leaving Costco. Pulling out of the lot, I smell something and look down at the consolette and the power window switch is SMOKING! Did so for about 30 sec then it was done. Passenger side window still works, driver side doesn't. Pulsing the driver switch up does nothing...down I hear the motor do the "already down" noise.

So, any ideas what caused this? Is it just a bad switch (hopefully) or is it the motor? Windows worked fine prior to this unexpected event. I'm tending to lean toward a bad switch.

I've replaced the power mirror switch, but that's top accessible. How does one get to the power window switch that is behind the trim panel? (I've never had my consolette apart.)

I've looked online at all the auto parts stores, it seems that a p/w switch is not something one can buy at a parts store? Unless someone knows of a place that has them?

Thanks for the help!

Smokin' Switch

Reply #1 – June 09, 2010, 07:51:01 AM

So nobody has ever had a power window switch go out and no one has ever taken apart a consolette? Hmmmmm, guess I'm off to figure this out myself...

Smokin' Switch

Reply #2 – June 09, 2010, 08:22:45 AM

I know you have to pull the storage compartment out first. Then I think you can get your hand in there to push the switch panel up from underneath.. I believe it's only clipped in there to hold it in the consolette. Been a couple years since I took one apart.

Smokin' Switch

Reply #3 – June 09, 2010, 08:24:10 AM

It's been dealt with before.

Read: http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=11779

The switch is screwed into place. The console plate pulls right out for access to it.

Smokin' Switch

Reply #4 – June 11, 2010, 12:52:32 PM

Thanks for the replies. I thought perhaps the console pulled out, but didn't want to force anything and break stuff. My new switch is scheduled to arrive today, so I took the day off to install it.

Like I said, I did a search and didn't find anything. The post referred to is 4 years old under a heading I probably wouldn't have assumed was talking about what I was looking for.

From my experience a LOT of topics have been dealt with before on this forum, yet plenty of other posters get responses (if even just to bring up a past link).

In any event, I appreciate the replies and hope my solution is relatively simple since it's a HOT & HUMID one out there today!

Smokin' Switch

Reply #5 – June 11, 2010, 06:12:58 PM

Well, here's an update...

Likely is the switch, used the testing methods described in the old post and actually couldn't get it to work (passenger side did). Ended up taking the door panel off fearing the motor was bad, but sending 12V directly to the motor...works fine...both up and down. Checked continuity of the wires thru the door and to the switch block, and that all checks out.

Here's where it gets weird...per the wiring schematic I have and in the old post, plus the procedure from jcassity, it *seems* like my window motor is wired backwards? :wtf: I don't see any evidence this motor was ever replaced... Still, what I thought should make the window go UP actually made it go DOWN. I sourced all power from the socket side of the p/w switch block (including the ground wire). This doesn't make any sense to me, but...

Sooooo, I am assuming the switch failed. My new switch is here, however, when removing the old one, I find that the short burnt up a corner of the socket (at the ground wire), so my socket is all messed up and I have to try and find a new one! Not sure I'm going to have much luck however...not a lot of parts places around here (especially with cars our age).

Anyway, guess I have to go hunting tomorrow morning in the 90+ temps and 70+ dew points...JOY!

Smokin' Switch

Reply #6 – June 11, 2010, 08:30:24 PM

If you dont have any luck let me know My local Yard has 2 birds and 2 cougars all with power windows

Smokin' Switch

Reply #7 – June 12, 2010, 02:02:53 AM

Quote from: hypostang;325048

If you dont have any luck let me know My local Yard has 2 birds and 2 cougars all with power windows

OOOOH! ship me two complete doors!!!! haha JK

Yeah, probably the switch got stuck internally and decided that it was not going to stop trying to roll the window down, regardless of what you told it to do, and then it paid the price. Ha! That'll show that inanimate object!

Smokin' Switch

Reply #8 – June 12, 2010, 08:29:12 AM

I've found that wet hands will easily fry a power window switch. (Ooooops).

Just FYI, the power window switch WAS wired backwards...from the factory.

1983-86: push forward on switch, window goes DOWN.
1987-88: push forward on switch, window goes UP.

I don't recall this being an issue with the switch itself but with the wiring going to the switch. So simply swapping in a switch shouldn't affect anything.

Quote

I find that the short burnt up a corner of the socket (at the ground wire), so my socket is all messed up and I have to try and find a new one!

If all that's melted is the grey plastic wiring block, but the wiring itself is okay, then you can just reuse it. After years of use, a lot of those wiring blocks show signs of melting...I've seen it many times. It won't affect performance unless it's warped so badly that it won't let the switch seat all the way down.

And in case anyone else is wondering, it IS possible to rewire the block to make the window directions go the opposite of what you have now. Pretty easy to do using a shop manual.

Smokin' Switch

Reply #9 – June 12, 2010, 09:35:42 AM

Thanks guys. I guess I'm going to try locally and see if I can find anything. I kind of want to see if there are any "parts cars" out there anyway...and this gives me an "excuse" to go find out if the one I saw at a lot up North is still there (a T-Bird...not sure which year (87 or 88)...looked pretty intact from the fence...only had a rear passenger perspective view, however...was that "purple gray" color...or maybe a brown of some sort...hard to tell peering between fences, trees and 100' away).

Eric, I figured I could re-use the base if needed. Mine is not really warped at all, but the shorted out ground wire part actually melted OFF, so that wire would be "out in the open". If I can get a base, great...if not I'll try to "make it work". Thanks for the tip! (And good to know "backwards" is correct!) :-)

Off to visit the salvage yards now!