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Jason Osper Posted on Jun 09, 2016
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Window switches inoperable - all other electronics are fine.

Coffee spilled on center console - and window switch unit no longer operates. Neither do the window switches on the rear door... leading me to believe that there was a short and it has affected all the CAN communication. Is disconnecting the battery a reasonable action to try? Do I risk corrupting other electrical systems by "rebooting" in this manner?

1 Answer

Jason Martin

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  • Cars & Trucks Expert 249 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 09, 2016
Jason Martin
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May have to replace the switches if they were wet for too long, or soak the switches in alcohol then place on a register for a week or so, imho

  • Jason Osper
    Jason Osper Jun 09, 2016

    I will definitely remove the unit to let it dry further. I tried compressed air a few hours after the incident, but maybe soaking in alcohol will help remove any adulterants. Is this method effective for cleaning the circuit board attached to this unit? I feel that the problem lies there, rather than with the actual switches... I could be wrong, though. Thanks for the advice!

  • Jason Martin
    Jason Martin Jun 09, 2016

    I use alcohol on any circuitry it also evaporates, instead of compressed air try vacuum on the part, pull contamination out not to push it further in.

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I have a 2001 Saturn L200 and just had the same problem. Just finished smoking a cig before driving into work and my passenger side window would not go up and it was snowing!!!

After checking this website I quickly found out that this a fairly common defect with the Saturn brand! Since the window switches are located in the middle counsel, they tend to dirty very easy, especially if you smoke, eat, or spill a drink in your car.

Before you go too crazy and pull anything apart...the switch may just need a good cleaning!

You will need a(n).....
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Use some small strips of duct tape and cover both screw drivers with tape to protect against scratching the counsel and switch. There are two metal clips under the north and south positions of the perimeter of the switch. Take the small screwdriver and start at the top using small prying movements until you see some give. Take the large screwdriver and use it as a wedge. Continue carefully with the small prying movements and then follow up with the large screw driver all the way around the perimeter until the switch pops out.

Now use the large screwdriver to disconnect the switch from the electrical plug....while in there....check for dust, dirt, and sticky residue from drinks.....clean as needed! Next, examine the switch to see that it is operating correctly. **My car had pop spilled on the switch and was causing it to remain stuck in the down operation of the window!**

Disassemble the switch completely and you will see three pieces. Use the hot soapy water and q-tips and toothpicks to clean every piece good. Be careful to not use too much water on the circuit board you could cause permanent damage! Finally, use an air compressor to air blast each piece good until dry! At this point I was able to get the switch function properly again.

All you should have to do now is work backwards and reassemble the switch into the counsel. Test the operation of your passenger window. If this does not work then you will need a new or replacement switch.

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REMOVAL PROCEDURE
  1. Use a flat-bladed tool in order to remove the power window switch bezel (1) from the console.
  2. Remove the electrical connection from the power window switch (2).
  3. With a flat-bladed tool release the power window switch (2) tabs, and remove the switch from the power window bezel (1) retainers.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE \

  1. Install the power window switch (2) into the power window switch bezel (1) until fully seated.
  2. Connect the electrical connector to the power window switch (2).
  3. Install the power window switch bezel (1) to the floor console.
((((>>>All of this is Assuming that All FUSES Related to And RELAYS Related to Windows Have Been Deemed GOOD & Funktional<<<<)))
If Further HELP / SUPPORT / INSTRUCTIONS Are needed P L E A S E Dont RULE me Out as I have the Answers, Just Try to be as Spisific as Possible and I will be More than HAPPY to Help you With your Needs of Auto Repair
  1. Install the power window switch (2) into the power window switch bezel (1) until fully seated.
  2. Connect the electrical connector to the power window switch (2).
  3. Install the power window switch bezel (1) to the floor console.
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remove the window switch, pour rubbing alcohol over it while scrubbing it with an old toothbrush, and let it dry for 5 or 10 minutes- it should be fine...also check your power window fuse under the dashboard in the fusebox.
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