HOW TO: change the power window main switch

[pezimm]

Hi all,

I know, a bit basic but who knows? It might come in handy for someone...

I had a failure on the driver's window switch, where it would come up but wouldn't stop once the switch was released. This, as I learned, can lead to window actuator motor failure, so if you have the same symptom, be sure to slightly push back the switch until you hear the relay disengaging.

Anyways, solution is to replace the switch (I opted for buying a new Power Window Main Switch from a Subaru dealer. It set me back $277, ) and the steps to follow are below:

Locate the black cap cover at the bottom of the door handle

Un-clip it open with a small flat-head screw-driver (recommend covering the tip with masking tape to prevent damage), then remove the screw

Pry the entire plastic piece off being careful to pull the 2 clips out without breaking it. Note the 2 narrow openings on the door panel where the clips mount

Unclip the electrical harnesses and unscrew the main switch, replacing with the new one and reinstall the plugs back.

Fit everything back in reverse order and make sure you dispose the faulty switch sensibly

 

[Red XS]

Nice write up!
This does seem to be quite a common problem and would definitely recommend anyone who first notices anything dodgy about their switch to change it. It's a lot easier and cheaper changing the switch then the motor. (you have to wind down your window to take the motor out, which is quite a conundrum if your motor is blown)

Early signs of the dodgy switch include,
-the window not wanting to stop on the way up
-relay switch clicking noise in the door occurring when the window is no in use (this it it tripping itself as it overheats)
-the switch occasionally not working (this is when it trips due to overheating)
-a little extra play in the switch
-and a later sign was an electrical burning smell from the door (but this was too late)

 

[Kevin]

Thanks for the good write-up. A common issue here is that many people accidently pull the wires out from the back of the plugs - and then can't figure out where they go! So, be careful.

 

[minas01]

No need to wind the window down to take the motor out. All you have to to is clamp the window in the up position with a set of quick grips or similar so it won't fall down. The hard bit is removing the screws holding the motor in place as you're doing it blind pretty much. See the last post in this discussion:
https://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/window-motor-installation-w-pics-43295p2.html?
Also if you ever need a new motor this is the one I purchased for my 06 Forester drivers side window motor:
[ame="https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-742-804-Subaru-Window-Motor/dp/B0089T01NU/?tag=viglink20475-20"]Amazon.com: Dorman 742-804 Subaru Window Lift Motor: Automotive[/ame]

See discussion about window motors here:
https://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f81/dorman-window-motor-australian-forester-123097/

 

[Tweaksta]

Thanks for the write-up. Mine are starting to get a bit funny.

 

[Scooby2]

Thanks for the write up. I really thought today that my windows had died..... that was until I realized that my passenger (the four legged variety) had inadvertently stood on the master control and child proofed all the windows except the drivers one!

Best regards,

 

[Red XS]

Apparently the earlier generation has hex head bolts holding the motor in, while mine had Phillips heads. Thanks to corrosion, I couldn't get the torque on the little screw driver in the tight place, so had to take the window out. But I replaced the Phillips heads with hex heads, so it won't be as hard, if there is a next time.