Rear window switch

[bigpest88]

Dose anybody know if i can replace the center consel rear window switch on my 95 4Runner with a aftermarket switch???(cheaper one) The dealer wants to sell me an original relpacement switch for $75!!!! I thought WTF is it made out of gold or what?!? But anyways, can it be replaced with a cheaper switch, or has anyone done this? Its a pain in the @ss to have to turn off the truck, just to open the stupid window.

Thanks,
ChRiZ

[4Wheel]

Single pole double throw should work, (will need some electrical interfacing as the switch has a single connector with multiple contacts) BUT it needs to be a "normally off" configuration (spring loaded to the center off position) or you will come back to a dead battery. A flush mount rocker would be best also.
Have you been looking on eBay and other auction sites?

[bigpest88]

[quote=4Wheel]Single pole double throw should work, (will need some electrical interfacing as the switch has a single connector with multiple contacts) BUT it needs to be a "normally off" configuration (spring loaded to the center off position) or you will come back to a dead battery. A flush mount rocker would be best also.
QUOTE]

What is a flush mount rocker, and can i get this at my local automotive store? Basicaly, i need something that can raise and lower my rear window when needed but always in the "off position"
Thanks for the input.


(I just thought this was funny)

[4Wheel]

A flush mount rocker is what is there stock. A big ass toggle switch sticking straight up will just break clean off the first time you slide your girlfriends butt across it.
It has a power wire, an up wire and a down wire. The stock switch also has more wires cause it has a cute little light bulb in it.
The parts store will have something, just take in the old one to match.

Snap the old switch out and open it up, careful it is spring loaded and parts may "jump" out into oblivion. Take a gander in there and see if you spot what the major malfunction is.

But first things first, does it open from the back door key switch?
I don't understand why it works only when the engine is off?

Make sure the window lock switch next the up-down switch is not your culprit, I never figured out why they put it in the circuit in the first place.

Once you have it ohm it out to make sure it is faulty, just suggesting here in case any of this has not been done, just ignore what you have done.

[bigpest88]

Originally Posted by 4Wheel

But first things first, does it open from the back door key switch?
I don't understand why it works only when the engine is off?

Make sure the window lock switch next the up-down switch is not your culprit, I never figured out why they put it in the circuit in the first place.

Once you have it ohm it out to make sure it is faulty, just suggesting here in case any of this has not been done, just ignore what you have done.

Im sorry about the confusion, the rear window goes up and down with the key, so i have to turn of the truck to get the key and open the rear window.

What do you mean "ohm it out"?

Thanks,
ChRiZ

[4Wheel]

Ohm is a unit of measure of resistance to electron flow (or hole flow if your one of "THOSE") An ohm meter or "multi-meter" will tell you if the switch is good or bad they have them at most parts stores and can check teh switch to see if it is faulty.
Because of the location of the suspect switch I would be willing to bet that it is contaminated by that red bull that was spilled in there last summer.

[bigpest88]

I just went to my local electronic store and and bought an almost stocks switch to replace it. The only difference is that it is plain, no fancy light in it and no letters on it. It looks identical to the stock on for only $10. All I had to do was cut the exsisting wires after the switch, but before the connection and attach them to the new switch minus the light and BAM my window was working again!!!

Thanks for all the help, it is greatly appreciated!!!!
ChRiZ

[4Wheel]

WHAT NO LIGHT????
GOOD job!