Master Window / Lock Switch Cleaning DIY

[ASG14]

Many times, the window/lock switch will stop, or intermittently work, due to carbon buildup on the contacts. Simply cleaning them can fix the problem and save you money.

I recommend doing this on a nice flat table free of clutter.

This should be almost (if not exactly) identical to a Coupe switch, and similiar to the Gen 4.


1: Pull off the window lock plastic cap (It just pulls off).



2: Unscrew the 4 screws holding on the black plastic/controls.



3: Lift straight up with the base flat on the table.



4: There is 2 small springs, and several V shape metal contacts. Take them out and put them aside as to not loose any. They are all the same, so there is no worry on mixing them up.



5: Clean the V metal contacts and the small round contacts. Use rubbing alcohol, cleans well and is pretty safe to use.

[toysarefun]

Sweet and perfect pictures and writeup, this should go to the archives, it's a monster little switch that, to me, completely replaces AC. When mine went bad, about two years after I bought the car, probably from open windows, acid rain, or spilled soda, I went to the junk yard and out of like 8 junk camry's I found the last one so don't count on finding one at a junkyard. I never did figure out if the 3rd generation window switch had LED's in them or if I took my new/used one out of a 4th gen.

You can use a slight abasive on copper contacts. In a pinch when stuck on the road I have used a screwdriver to clean a contact in order to get it working again for instance. It's not to tricky, I think just use emery cloth to clean a copper contact is pretty safe usually unless the contact is worn. Then, alcohol to clean off the scratchy carbon crap.

[CamryWilly]

I've seen a DIY on this, I don't remember well, but it wasn't this clear! That I can remember!

Thanks again Adam for showing us some of your gen3 tricks...In a very simple and illustrated guide!

BTW... Toysarefun, I don't know for the gen 4, but on the gen 3 there was the green "auto" light, and a dot on each switch, but on the 3.5 only the driver's "auto" has a light in it.

That was another "goodie" I discovered on my new gen 3 and wished my 2 first 3.5 had it!

[ASG14]

^ HAHA! I eas actually goign to post about that. I never 100% confirmed that though. I used to have a '92 camry and all lite up. Then one day I noticed only 1 on my '96 was lite and thought something was wrong.

So the Gen 4 had LED's in them?

[eyeball96]

Excellent DIY Adam, as always!....The Master, and the Master switch!