Power Window Switch R&R "How-To"

[F16Waldo]

Passing along my lessons learned during this weekend's Spider project of a power window switch replacement on my 1983 Pininfarina. This is actually a very easy job to do...I just happened to make it far more complicated than it needed to be. Hopefully this will be a good reference for those that follow....here we go!

Background: I recently added new relays for my power windows. Excellent fix but created a new unexpected problem. After having slow motors for several years which necessitated holding the window switches either up or down for extended periods of time, the old switch was slow to release from the DOWN position on the passenger side. As a result I kept blowing the 15 amp fuse on the relay as it wouldn't release properly once letting go of the switch. Of course I could momentarily bump the switch "UP" as it neared the full down position, but after not quite getting it right, and going thru a few fuses, figured I would just replace the switch. Bought a new one from AR for $57 that looks exactly original.

Initial Attack: I figured I would need to pull the upper console out and access the wiring from behind. So dropped the passenger A/C unit to gain access to the 2 screws on the passenger side of the console and removed the uppermost screw accessed via the glove box. On the driver side, had to remove the A/C control head to access the 2 screws on that side as well. Didn't have to pull the instrument panel to remove the upper screw behind it that mirrors the glove box screw on passenger side as I previously had removed that screw during an earlier project and during reassembly couldn't get it back in and decided it wasn't worth the hassle to reinstall it.

At this point let me say...none of this was necessary. As I tried to pull out the upper console, realized the lower center console was going to prevent sliding the upper console out easily. Easy to slide hand in behind upper console to feel around and realized nothing was fastened from behind the console so tried a different approach.

Recommended Procedure: First...don't take about the A/C parts or remover the console side screws...this isn't necessary. Instead I used 2 very small flat head screwdrivers on either side of the power window switch to wiggle it out of the console hoping the whole assembly/wiring would pull out. No luck, wire connectors too big to fit thru console opening but old switch did come out leaving connectors and panel light behind. What now?
Trial and error revealed there are 3 upper and 3 lower clips within the bezel frame that holds the 5 switches/buttons (window, trunk, etc). These retaining clips snap into place when inserted, and need to be compressed/squeezed either down (upper snaps) or up (lower snaps) to allow the bezel and switches to be removed. These clips are located at the center of the window switch and the center of the outer left/right switches. Unfortunately the switches impede the full compression of these snap clips, but again, using thin flat screwdrivers (computer pry tool would work perfectly) and starting at one side, was able to pull entire assembly out. CAUTION - the clips will try to catch the edge of the wood laminate covering during removal, so ensure you watch this carefully.
Once bezel was removed, easy to install new window switch, plug in the wiring and light, then press back into the upper console. Voila...job complete!!! (well I had to still push the upper console back in, reinstall the side screws and wrestle the A/C unit back in place, but you won't have to!)

If I could figure out to post pics I would. Hope this helps someone in the future.

[tima01864]

I bought a relay kit for the windows. Have yet figured out how to hook it up.

[F16Waldo]

Tima

I have a wiring diagram with directions I can send you for the relays. PM me if interested.

Waldo

[spider2081]

I forget the exact difference but I do remember that the 83-85 window switch internal wiring for the windows is different than the earlier Spider electrical switch wiring. The window relay circuit is unique to either Fiat or Pininfarina.

[tima01864]

I think that I figured it out today, My engine is out of the car. So I will wait for the electricals are powered. The relays that i bought in a kit from Midwest 124 look good, I just have a hard time with the electricals. Thanks for the offer

[F16Waldo]

Tima

FYI, I put my relays inside the doors and ran the power wires thru the firewall just above where the clutch cable goes thru. Mounted new fuse box inside engine bay on the driver side fender wall. Connected the fuse box directly to the alternator stud.

Good luck
Waldo

[tima01864]

Waldo,

Thanks for that info, I will look into doing that.

Tim

[tima01864]

I forget the exact difference but I do remember that the 83-85 window switch internal wiring for the windows is different than the earlier Spider electrical switch wiring. The window relay circuit is unique to either Fiat or Pininfarina.

The only difference I can see on this new relay are the connecrors. He has Spade connectors mine uses bullet connectors.
Two wires from the motor, Through the relay to the switch, A ground and power from the alternator

[spider2081]

The only difference I can see on this new relay are the connecrors.

If the kit came with a wire digram could you email me a copy of it?? flyme194@gmail.com

thanks

[F16Waldo]

The only difference I can see on this new relay are the connecrors.

If the kit came with a wire digram could you email me a copy of it?? flyme194@gmail.com

thanks

Sent you a PM

Waldo

[spider2081]

Sent you a PM

I seldom check my PM inbox however I don not have a PM from you. Was I suppose to have a PM or was it for TimO