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View Full Version : How to repair the Window lock switch failure



Dredwolf
11-02-2012, 11:37 PM
First, some things are going to be assumed for this repair.

1. You know how to remove your door panel and master switch.
2. You know some basics on troubleshooting 12v vehicle wiring.
3. You can use a soldering iron and are patient.
4. And mainly, your power windows work from the driver's master switch, but not any of the passenger locations (at least the ones with switches, can't help you if you want to roll the windows down while riding on the roof.)

First, the absolute tools.
Screwdriver with #2 and #1 Phillips (I like the multi-ones)
Small #0 Phillips and 1/8" and 3/32" straight blade screwdrivers
Glasses (if you are on the wrong side of 40 like me)
http://i.minus.com/igfJ8rmIMouEo.JPG
And more tools!!!:D
Soldering iron, rosin-core solder (NOT the stuff for PIPES)
Multimeter (yes, its a HF, but I got 15 of the things thanks to coupons, and I keep the Fluke and Craftsman ones for critical things)
http://i.minus.com/iBEWOPu2SPDnD.JPG

Now under the driver's side (we are assuming NORMAL XJ's here ;)) kick panel you will find the connector for the switch to the rest of the lock switch wiring. Pay no attention to the speaker wire used for electrical wire by previous owner, that is on the list.
http://i.minus.com/iZlEic3ncBQ4j.jpg

The two wires that are important to the switch are these
http://i.minus.com/i9jlFVFwxXFPB.jpg
You can use a jumper at this location (some even use a paper clip:crazy:) to see if its really the switch. If you bridge the yellow and tan/brown/coffee? wires and window switches work for your passengers, you are on the right track. There are several good write-ups on just wiring a clean bridge and bypassing the switch, but I wanted something better, to clean up the poor accessory wiring done on my XJ.
So pull your master switch...
http://i.minus.com/ibz1YY2oDUcgo2.JPG
And smash it to.....gently take it apart. Remove the screws first.
http://i.minus.com/ib1vYODEp9XNZV.JPG
Then CAREFULLY remove the switch covers. This part can be tricky, take your time and use patience. You can break the switches removing these covers in a hurry, I did it on a "sacrificial" switch trying to hurry and get some pics before dinner :bang:
http://i.minus.com/iUJ92pwzdpuUr.JPG
http://i.minus.com/i7586k1bWGpcn.JPG
Once the covers are off, pry the switch housing apart, at these points.
http://i.minus.com/iYxEP3vauip5X.JPG
http://i.minus.com/iEIBXKUTU6cVG.JPG
With effort, luck, skill, and PATIENCE, the switch is apart.
http://i.minus.com/iThY4Zfne5Gxv.JPG
This is the Window Lock Switch, naked :shocker:
http://i.minus.com/i3UF23pRSDzsb.JPG
Inspect the solder connections for damage, these are obviously cracked.
http://i.minus.com/iCYfjfN1AJD9U.JPG
Use your meter to check for continuity, with the plunger for the switch in both positions. With the plunger fully OUT, you should have continuity.

Sadly, even with my son's assistance, I could not manage a decent pic of the soldering process, so hopefully no pic is needed of that part.
http://i.minus.com/ibzTdN1MLtvM5R.JPG
After the solder repair, test again with the meter

If the switch now works according to your meter, test it on your XJ by reconnecting it to the harness.
http://i.minus.com/iw2BFsKlxRJVT.JPG
If it works, reinstall in your door panel, and install the panel, and go wheeling!:D Or reward your awesome repair skills with a steak and frosty beverage of your choice.
:beer:
http://i.minus.com/igM3g4hjDJnhy.JPG

I'll add a write up of inspecting and cleaning the Window Lock plunger switch at a later date. I hope this helps someone.

bluedragon436
11-04-2012, 07:02 AM
I will plan on using this writeup on my XJ once I get home as my lock switch randomly locks out my other door switches.. I never even use the stupid switch, but randomly the other switches won't work, and all I usually have to do is play with the door lock switch or lock and then unlock it and the other swithces work just fine, so I'm thinking I probably have the same cracked solder connection going on.

Dredwolf
11-06-2012, 06:31 PM
I am beginning to think this is the main failure point with this issue.

I have now "fixed" three switches with this same damage.

nhra13
04-24-2013, 10:44 AM
I used a wood burning tool to heat up the existing solder and just spread it around. Worked like a charm... thanks for the info and write up.

bulrid8
04-24-2013, 01:57 PM
Great write up.

If you don't care about the lock out feature, just jumper the plug. 2" piece of wire, 2 quick connects and 5 minutes of your time! Fixed permanently, no worries.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Mountain Goat
04-24-2013, 07:03 PM
GREAT info! Thanks for posting that:D

sexjay
08-06-2013, 12:11 AM
wow now all I have to do is find the time to do this......

lilgamoma
12-02-2013, 10:08 AM
I will plan on using this writeup on my XJ once I get home as my lock switch randomly locks out my other door switches.. I never even use the stupid switch, but randomly the other switches won't work, and all I usually have to do is play with the door lock switch or lock and then unlock it and the other swithces work just fine, so I'm thinking I probably have the same cracked solder connection going on.

My jeep did the same thing (all the locks would just lock & unlock themselves). I unclipped the switch on passenger side door (looks same as one in 3rd pic) so it would stop driving me crazy. I just unlock everything manually but it would be nice to try to fix them. :)

bad luck
12-02-2013, 02:04 PM
Great info, thanks for the write up John.

ekaybe
12-06-2013, 01:01 PM
I wondered whether or not I'd have to buy a whole new master switch to fix this problem. YAY

ArmyGuy45
12-06-2013, 01:12 PM
I wondered whether or not I'd have to buy a whole new master switch to fix this problem. YAY

I did since I am in Germany that, with military housing has some strict rules of what I can do and store in my house. Plus I found one for 40 bucks shipped.

Dredwolf
12-07-2013, 11:40 PM
one thing I forgot to add to my write up was that IF you choose to be extremely ana.......particular, after you solder the connections, dab some CLEAR nail polish to shield the solder joint......if you are NOT particular, whatever color you sneak from your better half will work.

If you own nail polish, then acquiring some will not present a challenge. :D

ekaybe
12-12-2013, 12:35 PM
one thing I forgot to add to my write up was that IF you choose to be extremely ana.......particular, after you solder the connections, dab some CLEAR nail polish to shield the solder joint......if you are NOT particular, whatever color you sneak from your better half will work.

If you own nail polish, then acquiring some will not present a challenge. :D

I'm sure most of the guys around here give themselves pedicures :smiley-taunt002:

4.3LXJ
12-12-2013, 01:27 PM
I'm sure most of the guys around here give themselves pedicures :smiley-taunt002:

Doesn't everyone? :rolleye0012:

Dredwolf
02-20-2014, 09:45 PM
Doesn't everyone? :rolleye0012:

Does drop-kicking an old fax machine 20 feet, breaking your big toe in three places, setting it yourself, and losing a toenail in the process count?

4.3LXJ
02-20-2014, 10:14 PM
Probably matches my ugly big toe :D

Dredwolf
02-20-2014, 10:19 PM
Probably matches my ugly big toe :D

As I told the wife, "yes, I know that was stupid, but better the old fax machine that needed to be scrapped....instead of the family member that caused the....irritated agitation."

:D

I love my children, but these teen years.........:smiley-angry021:

Wrench Therapy to the rescue!

slvmart
02-21-2014, 04:29 AM
Don't worry with time it will either get a lot better or a lot worse ! Fortunately, my 23yo got way better ! Or were we talking window switches. Both can be aggravating !

4.3LXJ
02-21-2014, 09:54 AM
Unruly teenagers are like cats. They both are much easier to get along with after a frontal lobotomy. :D

davehzrd
06-05-2014, 09:29 PM
i know this thread's old, and hasn't been live for a few months, but:

1-great write-up. i've been having trouble with my master switch (and my door wiring, have mercy on me) and this is all spot on.

2-can you eventually post about cleaning the plunger in the window lock switch? the weirdest thing happened to me, when i took my master switch out of my door, one of the springs INSIDE OF THE LOCK SWITCH popped itself loose and i can't figure out, for the life of me, how to get it back into place. thanks to that, even though i re-soldered everything, my window switches still don't work. :thumbdown: it would help me out immensely if someone could help me figure out how to get that darn spring in place.

4.3LXJ
06-05-2014, 09:49 PM
Dredwolf is no longer active. It might help if we had some pics. I am not sure what you mean

davehzrd
06-05-2014, 10:26 PM
i'll pull my master switch out when i get a chance, so i can take a picture for you, but:

when you open up the master window switch, the window lock is held together with a plastic case. inside that case, you'll find the plunger, one spring to push the plunger up, and one smaller, sideways spring that can move around so the switch can be locked in the on, or the off, position. that second spring just decided to pop out of place when i took my master switch out of my door, and it allowed the plunger to stay permanently up (closing the circuit and disabling the window lock). since my driver window doesn't want to open (i'm gonna check my wires when i get a chance, i'm convinced it's a bad wire), i don't want everyone else opening their windows, so this really screws me up. if i could get that spring back in place, i could have normally-working window locks, which i'd like a lot.

DicktheDestroyer
06-07-2014, 05:50 AM
I appreciate your great write-up and helpful pictures, Dredwolf. I'll use this guide to troubleshoot the switch on my '92.

Dredwolf
06-15-2014, 09:51 PM
Dredwolf is no longer active. It might help if we had some pics. I am not sure what you mean

And you are right about not getting to be active on XJTalk.

I am, however, not dead......yet. The wife and I are still trying to figure out how to make "Real Life" stop interfering with "Hopes and Dreams". :bang:

We are still working on that part.:rolleyes:

That being said, my youngest graduated high school in May and is enrolled to start college this fall. I am working on the '91 Explorer for her to drive to college, and hope to pick up on the XJ again soon.

I need a clone.

4.3LXJ
06-15-2014, 09:52 PM
Glad you are back John

oderdene
06-16-2014, 12:49 AM
glad to read you again, welcome back