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2008 Hyundai Elantra power window switch fix

Right around the time we were close to paying off the loan on our used Elantra the front passenger side window switch stopped working. I ignored it because the driver side control still worked. Unfortunately, over the winter the driver side switch stopped working that window and now the passenger side rear started acting up. I could lower the passenger rear from the front switch but I had to raise it from the back.

Since the switches seemed to be degrading, I was a bit concerned that I would not be able to open any windows or not be able to close a window after it is opened.  

Checking around on the Internet, I found the window switches cost around $30 each and the driver side front closer to $100.  An expensive repair if I want to buy all new switches.  I decided to remove the passenger rear door panel and take the switch apart to see if there was anything serviceable inside. Worse case scenario: I end up buying a new switch.

after removing the door panel, unscrew the switch from the door panel and bring it over to your work bench.

Do not remove the rocker switch at the top of the switch because it contains tiny parts and a spring that are unnecessarily fiddly and you don't need to remove it to make the repair. 

Examining the switch, you should see that there are 3 main parts. The rocker switch assembly is attached to the upper section and sit on top of the middle section which is attached to the lower plug section.

Prying from the bottom, separate the middle section from the upper section to expose the antiquated mechanical switches that look like they are from the 1950s.

Work a folded piece of fine sandpaper on the small contact points being very careful not to dislodge the copper arms which are held in place by spring pressure only. Hold onto it and carefully clean the contacts on the bottom pucks, the middle pucks and the upward facing pucks that contact the upper assembly.

If you have contact cleaner spray, you'll want to spray a drop on each of the contact points as well as the contact point in the upper assembly.

Snap everything back together and reassemble. Enjoy the ability to open and close your windows whenever you want.

The front window switches are completely different and did not appear to be easily broken down.

You can still press the white plastic bits to engage the switch and spray a little contact enhancer/cleaner to get them working again.


UPDATE: This repair doesn't seem to be a durable fix. Just a few months after fixing the switches, they started acting up again. I will fix them again and report back.

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