My driver's side window stopped working in up position. Light dims when I push "up" but doesn't when I push "down" so likely the switch. I have a new regulator in the window.

I have read that you can clean the contacts by spraying them with a type of solvent. Does anyone know a brand name to ask for? And do the switch covers come off or must I lift the console?

I'll try this and then order a new switch from Fast Lane.

Thanks for assistance.

Nic
'85 300CD at 140k miles

Radio Shack TV Tuner Spray...
 

Will work just fine. Remove the switch from the console, unplug it, place it over a paper towel or two, and spray liberally, trying to get inside as much as possible. Work the switch back and forth and re-spray.

The light could also "dim" because of the amp load on the switch itself...an indication of some "restriction" going on with the window assembly.

You did say you just replaced the regulator, but maybe something else is amiss with the assembly?

Anyway, I have the same Radio Shack TV tuner spray as longston just described, and it works well on electrical contacts (especially old corroded or oxidized ones like in my 73 Bug).

Try the spray first...it's quick and easy to do, and will eliminate that being a problem before you decide to crack open a door panel...

I have successfully taken the switch itself apart and cleaned the internal working mechanism and the contacts as well. You have to pry off the plate that covers the top of the switch assembly, and then all the parts can be removed.

I think you can clean them better this way, using a Scotchbrite pad or similar, than with a shot of contact cleaner into the top. You also can remove all the lint and dust that has fallen down in there over the years. Besides, it's cool to see what a real German made switch looks like inside. I'd never disassembled a switch before, and these are heavy duty.

Just be careful to do the surgery on a well-lit kitchen table type area, because there are several small parts, including a couple springs, that will want to jump out as soon as you get the top plate off the thing. I cleaned the switch on my 1977 300D, and the fix worked until I sold the thing. If you clean yours properly, that switch should be good for another 16 years :) My 84 switch is getting intermittent, so maybe they only last 16 years before needing a cleaning. :)

[Edited by Robert W. Roe on 06-14-2001 at 11:16 PM]

Since the humidity here rivals that of living under water, I had to clean my window switches on my ex-300TD (1981) every year. As stated before, just open the switch very carefully and clean it throughly inside (I used a cotton swab soaked with the aformentioned RadioShack spray) Did it every time, the windows would start working perfectly again!

A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995

May I also suggest a switch lubricant. There are several on the market CRC, Radio Shack etc. after you clean the switch apply the lube. It will inhibit moisture, wear and corrosion.

THANKS FOR THE INFO FOLKS. I'M OFF TO BUY THE CLEANER AND WILL REMOVE/REPAIR SWITCH THIS WEEKEND.

NIC

Switch is easy to take apart. Just stick a small screwdriver in the side of it and you will be able to pry it apart from where it is pinned. There will be a couple of small ball bearings in there so be careful not to lose them also. I cleaned up all of the metal contacts and I haven't had a problem since (over 1 year now). After you see how easy it is, you will be tempted to pull out all of them and clean them all up for preventive maintenance sakes.

Opening them up insures that no dried up soda, or coffee residue remains in the switch. You may have never spilled anything in there, but the previous owner, or other drivers, who knows?