hi all, my driver side window has intermittently stopped working. not really sure what the problem is as it seems to be working better lately, but one issue is that the window switch for that specific window was loose. turns out after taking the switch apart that the plastic post that sits on top of a spring was broken. removed another switch to see what it was supposed to look like and inadvertently broke that plastic post as well. also both switches cracked after removing (not sure if this was due to age or if the switches are not meant to be removed). glue seems to fix the switches but not the plastic posts. so now i have two loose switches and rather not buy an expensive master switch replacement.

two questions:

1. if the switches are able to control the window without the spring (loose switches), will there be any damage to the motor if the switch doesn't seat properly into on/off mode? i think i read that the switches when on continue to power the motor even when the window is fully down or up.

2. can i buy the plastic switches or springs/posts individually? where can i get them?

 

Only the full board and switches from Lexus. Best bet would be salvage yards.

The springs are necessary in a switch to make/break contacts. Without the spring the contacts will arc out, burning a hole in the circuit board and harm motor(s). There is built in logic with switch connections labelled NC or NO [closed or open] so if one part works and the other does not, proper function is lost. Before vacuum tubes and transistors the early computers were built with relays, which is a close cousin of mechanical switches]

Salim

If you search you may find some one discovered an equivalent relay from mouser? for bad relays but not the switches.

 

There is a thermal circuit breaker inside the window motor but if the switch keeps getting stuck on it will eventually burn out or maybe the motor will get cooked. Best source for parts is a salvage yard. If you still have the broken post glue it back on with super glue.

 

ok, sounds like a need to get a replacement part. the switches have springs but the plastic posts are broken or disintegrated and gluing didn't work. i read aftermarket ones can drain the battery dead overnight so i'll go with a used oem for ~$60

 

I ordered a new switch from switchdoctor.com, and it has been working great for about 2 years so far. Less than $100.

 

i saw that one. it's selling for $150...