Rear Window Stuck Down, A potential free fix Options

[wilc4]

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum. I have a 1996 Toyota Celica Convertible GT-S.

I wanted to share a free fix of what appears to be a common problem of windows getting stuck up or down. I had searched the forums and found a few people who had this problem and thought I would post this here as a possible fix if anyone needs it.

The rear drivers passenger power window was "stuck" in the down position. It was pretty clear to me that it was a bad switch (in the console near the stick shift) since "playing" with the switch could get it to roll up occasionally and it always rolled down (if I happened to get it up). Also, the window had good power, speed and no abnormal noises.

I called Toyota and a new switch was $73.00 plus it was an order item. So, figuring I had nothing to lose I figured I would try to fix the switch. Here are the steps. I think it is a pretty easy DIY since I am certainly no expert mechanic:

1) The switch removes easily from the console by gently pulling up the trim piece around the stick shift and then squeezing the black, plastic clips on the switch from the backside of the trim piece. The switch then simply unplugs from the wiring (there is a retaining clip).
2) Once removed, take the switch and use a thin screwdriver to carefully pry up on the black plastic of the exterior of the switch to seperate it from the white plastic piece inside. You will have to do this on both sides to sort of "work" the piece free.
3) Once it is seperated, be careful because there are two V-shaped golden "rocker" pieces that sit in side of the back of the exterior switch, which can fall right out.
4) On the interior of the white portion of the switch, there are four small circular nodes, which contact the rocker pieces when the exterior button is depressed. The "top" row is the drivers window, the "bottom" is the passenger window. These should be clean and shiny, as should be the portion of the "rocker" which contacts them. For me, the problem was that there was a lot of carbon buildup on the four contacts that the rocker piece contacts as well as the rocker pieces themselves. This buildup had stopped the flow of current from the switch to the motor. You can clean these with a your finger (or cloth and electical cleaner if you want to be an overachiver).
5) After cleaning it, hold the black portion of the switch upside down and set the V-shaped rocker pieces back in the little pits they came from. The "V" portions will be in the little "pits" so they toggle back and forth. The V "points" at the exterior button.
6) Then slide the white interior piece back inside and gently snap it together, then replug it back in (pushing together until the retaining clip clicks) and then put slide the switch back into the trim piece and finally, push the trim piece back into place.

If you try this and need help shoot me an e-mail. Sorry - but I didn't think to take pictures! I just got my Celica a couple of days ago and look forward to sharing ideas and stories with everyone here on the forum!

[vile_v]

Hey, I did the same thing but kinda took it a step further.

I soldered a piece of solder onto the tips and of the four points for a better contact. It works a lot better for me now.

[wilc4]

Wow! You are really an overachiever!

[AwesomeRob]

THANK YOU!!! This worked a charm!!! I can tell I shouldn't mess with them now thatthey are both up (motors sound weak) but at least it's in the up position!! In Oregon windows up is important!