Thanks largely to Derek, who clued me into this potential cause of my slow windows (applies to 2003+ CV/GMQ/MM), I removed the switch assembly from the LF door, cleaned it and the contacts, then verified the repair - works GREAT.
Photos of this project can also be found here:
Window Switch Repair
Step 1: Remove the switch trim cover. To do this, you pry upward at the FRONT edge of the switch trim panel, then working rear-ward carefully release the clips on the side of the switch trim panel assembly (there are two). Once the front retainer, and the two side clips are free, GENTLY pull the panel slightly forward to release the rear catch which fits under the armrest. Below is a photo of how NOT to lift it, that is REAR FIRST! I broke the retaining tab, but was able to resecure it with instant adhesive - WHEW!
Step 2: Unplug the door harness from the switch assembly, and free the switch from the trim panel.
Step 3: Seperate the rockers from the switch body. This allows you to access and remove the switch contacts that are held in place by the actuators.
To seperate the rockers from the switch body, simply insert a small screwdriver under one side, and pry upwards on the other side of the rocker as shown. The "pop" right off.
Step 4: To access the actuators it is necessary to first remove the top portion of the switch body cover. There are either two or three "tabs" on each side of the switch body that hold the top and bottom halves to the middle section. You want to remove the TOP cover as there is no need ot benefit to removing the lower cover.
Step 5: Remove the actuators from their mountings. Note: The actuators are designed to be installed only one way, do not force them back into the holder. Ensure the side with TWO NUBS goes to the outside edge of the holder. Also, the actuator for the driver's window is unique, do not confuse it's location. Also, while unlikely, it is possible for the pins that fit into the actuators to fall out of the actuator bore. There are small springs under them to help maintain even pressure on the switch contacts. Use caution so as not to loose any of the springs or pins or the switch will cease to function properly. They stay in place without any problem in most cases.
Step 6: With the actuator off, you can carefully remove one switch contact bar at a time for inspection. All I needed to do was to lift upward on one end, then pull the bar free as there are no clips ot tabs to hold it down. I then inslected each contact in turn, and cleaned any carbon deposits off by gently scraping the contacts with a small straight-blade screwdriver. You can see what burned contacts look like:
Cleaned contacts:
At this point, after all contacts have been removed and inspected, ONE AT A TIME, you are ready to re-install the top cover on the switch body. I throughly cleaned the switch cover, rockers, and trim before reassembly.
With the repaired switch assembly plugged into the driver's door harness and the key in the "ACC" position, I verified proper window and door lock functions before installing the switch assembly back into the door panel.
Linear Mode
