Power windows - spider

[LEN_LEEB@domain.elided]

Several people have commented on their power windows not working. While I had 
not commented, I had the same problem. It seems that Alfa designed the circuit 
so that a relay would carry all the current, BUT SO DOES THE SWITCH! All the 
motor current goes thru the switch, then thru the motor, then thru the relay. 
It seems that rewiring would be in order to have the current only flow thru the 
relay, but this would be difficult at best. However, to NOT have the current 
flow thru the switch would require FOUR relays; one for "UP" and one for "DOWN" 
for EACH window.
To do a temporary fix, I repaired the switch by removing it from the console, 
then snapping off the thin metal frame surrounding the top of the switch. A 
thin blade screwdriver works well. Next, I carefully cut the edge of the two 
plastic pins in the bottom of the switch that holds the two switch halves 
together. Once the excess plastic is removed, the two halves of the switch may 
easily be pried apart. Then, remove the contact parts of the switch, and very 
gently file the contacts clean. There is a center contact that is a flat blade 
that the moving parts contact. Clean this up too. Once the parts are clean, 
reassemble them, and reassemble the switch. I would suggest a spot of 
silicone-type glue to hold everything together, and make it possible to redo 
the job at a later time.
After reinstalling the switches, my windows moved faster than I ever recall 
seeing them move, up or down! It looks like the switch is the weak link in the 
circuit. I did see where IAP has the replacement switch listed in their catalog 
for about $20 each.
Note that if one window works, the switch may be swapped to the other side to 
verify that it is the switch that is at fault.
Good luck,
Len

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