Just wondering if W123 window switches are able to be opened and cleaned/repaired. My passenger side switch doesn't work in the center console, but replacing it with the driver side switch makes the windows work, so it's the switch. Also, the switches in the rear doors themselves have never worked, so I'd like to repair them if possible as well.

I tried "opening" the passenger side switch(es) but just ended up bending the chrome border. Also, as far as junkyards go, I haven't seen switches that look exactly like mine (chrome border, no markings on the buttons except for horizontal "grip" lines, etc.), and I'm not looking forward to shelling out $90 bucks for the switch.

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1980 300D
1977 450SEL

I repaired the passenger side switch; I had two switches one was working but looked bad, the other wasn't working but looked great. I managed to open the good looking one with out breaking it (not an easy job) and replaced the internal "contacts" with the bad looking one. I was amazed how dirty the switches were inside, so it's possible to successfully open them. I found a set on Ebay for $20.

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

Is this the style that you have, -1981? I haven't found a way to open them... This is labeled part# 001 821 50 51 $20 delivered.

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Better pic...

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Yes that's the one. I used a small screw-driver to pry it off, carefully wiggle each side a little bit up. The silver foil comes of real easily, take your time. I have to say my bad looking one broke instantly.....

The silver part comes off and hold both switches. Maybe you can put some blue tape on the bottom of the silver part to protect it from the screw-driver.

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

Those are the ones. I gather that they are possible, just hard? When you say pry it up, do you mean the border, the actual black plastic switches, or just the top half from the bottom half of the switch? I tried the latter but then stopped after bending the border.

Edit: Oh ok, gotcha.

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1980 300D
1977 450SEL

You have to separate the silver part from the black bottom part. Hope all makes sense?

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

Thanks, will try it again.

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1980 300D
1977 450SEL

take them apart and clean them with rubbing alcohol and use and eraser on the contacts.

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have no worries.....President Obama swears "If you like your gun, you can keep it

works much better on the contacts.
You need to clean the burn and pitting.
I will look for parts, that will allow me to make a picture DIY.
Have a great day.

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ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

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