power window switch cleaning

Archives of Posts to the NZ MX5 List back in 2001
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simple
Why yes, actually I do run this site.
Why yes, actually I do run this site.
Posts: 129
Joined: Mon May 01, 2006 5:19 pm

power window switch cleaning

Post by simple » Thu Jun 14, 2001 4:27 pm

Today I cleaned the power window switches on my 1989 import. There was
carbon buildup & corrosion of the contacts evident. A previous owner had
given them a clean sometime in the past - they were not delicate in
screwdriver technique, nor in polishing contacts, but no real harm done to
anything.

In my normal obsessive fashion, I documented the procedure. Tests involved
timing each window twice lowering & twice raising (not a big sample, but
I'm not _completely_ obsessive), with engine idling. Averaged results as
follows:

Right window
up: 3.62s before, 3.35s after ==> 7% faster
down: 3.23s before, 3.04s after ==> 6% faster

Left window
up: 3.75s before, 3.42s after ==> 9% faster
down: 4.33s before, 4.20s after ==> 3% faster


Conclusion? On my car it was not worth doing for the speed increase
(average 6%), but now I know the contacts are clean. The procedure was not
at all difficult - the switch assembly came apart without any nasty
snapping plastic sounds or anxious levering. Re-assembly was also
straightforward - just hold it upside down & put the parts in place - no
springs to hold in compression or anything like that.

I took photos too, once I remembered that there was a digital camera
available for use. Alas, I had already cleaned the contacts & was unable
to document their state :-( How do we know what I've done without
evidential pictures? You'll just have to take my word for it.

Overall (including taking photos) I spent about an hour.


Karl.

Gary Morrison
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Need, more, 5-ing, time....
Posts: 100
Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2006 3:24 pm
Location: Wellington

power window switch cleaning

Post by Gary Morrison » Thu Jun 14, 2001 5:14 pm

Welcome back Karl. Keep obsessing!

Glen McLean

power window switch cleaning

Post by Glen McLean » Fri Jun 15, 2001 12:26 pm

karl!

first of all, get help. (laughs)

i went that little bit further and installed relays to the windows.
the times are as follows:

left window: down = 3.01
up = 3.10

right window: down = 3.12
up = 3.15

they are faster than yours no?

no photo's though...sorry.

you will find that even though you have cleaned the contacts, they will
eventually crap out again. this is due to the fact that you have removed
all the silver from the contacts now, and the brass will get clogged with
carbon.

no suggestion on how to fix this problem, other than fit relays.

glen.


you said.>
[...]

zorruno
Black is the new black.
Black is the new black.
Posts: 601
Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 11:20 pm
Location: An Eastern Beach

power window switch cleaning

Post by zorruno » Fri Jun 15, 2001 12:44 pm

OK then freakshow has begun - I installed new control modules (for automated
window up when arming alarm etc) and used 2.5mm cable from the steering
column +ve lead, through the control module and direct to the motors. I'll
have to get the stopwatch out...

PS - Karl - I'm dissappointed you haven't worked out:
a) Additional battery life with less current required over time to wind
windows
b) Reduction in cabin temperature due to less heat buildup in switch
mechanism

[...]
(z)

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