1981 300D Power window switch only goes down. Can I fix it? or Where to get new?
 

Last night my drivers side front window would not go up. I pulled the switch out and put the rear window switch on the front window wires, which allowed me to get the window back up.

Is there any way to open up the switch so I can fix it or do I need to buy a new one.

I would try cleaning it by blasting some compressed air in to the crevices. Short of that, the contacts might just be worn and you'd have to get a new one. I think FastLane has them but they're pretty expensive. If you're not in a hurry, keep your eye on eBay. Every once in a while window switches show up there. Make sure you get the right one though. I think there were two different kinds for the W123.

Alex

They can be taken apart and cleaned up. Do it over a white towel and be very careful of all the contact strips. balls and springs.

If you want, you can use Radioshack Contact and Tuner cleaner, aerosol with a tube, in the crevices without disassembly.

I have repaired alot of these switches and I will help you through taking one apart. I assume that you know how to remove the center cover that they fit into.

BEFORE YOU TRY TO TAKE THE SWITCH APART, MAKE SURE THAT YOU WORK OVER A TABLE WITH A TERRY TOWEL ON IT TO CATCH ANY SMALL PARTS THAT CAN FALL OUT OF THE SWITCH!!!


Remove the switch from the console. Look at the switch rocker and see that the rocker has a center plastic pin that it piviots on. GENTLY use a SMALL screwdriver and pry the case away just enough to get the rocker pin to come out of the switch housing. Gently remove the rocker part of the switch. The rocker part of the switch contains two small springs on its underside. Down in the switch, you will find two small ball bearings and two small contact pieces. Remove the balls and contacts. GENTLY clean out the switch housing and GENTLY clean the four silver contacts in the bottom of the switch. Clean the small contacts that you removed. they also have a small electrical contact on them. Replace them down back into the switch housing. Take the ball bearings and lightlygrease them...not too much , just enough to hold them in the center of the contacts. Make sure the springs are intact in the rocker and GENTLY re install the rocker in the switch housing. TEST the switch before you put it all back together.
These switches are in a bad place in that they get stuff spilled into them. Hope that helps. If you get stuck, PM me Chris