Volvo Power window switch replacement
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Volvo Power window switch replacement
What Happens When Your Volvo Power Window Switch Fails?
If you’ve been around long enough to know what it means to work a hand-crank window winder, you will appreciate how fabulous power windows are . . . at least until they stop working. When that happens, there is no way of getting that window up or down without pulling the door apart or damaging the window actuator.
When it fails you won't be able to park securely, or avoid a wet interior if it's raining and the Volvo's window is stuck in the down position.
There are a number of reasons power windows won’t work. It could be due to a blown fuse, broken cable, damaged track, defective actuator or a faulty window switch. It’s best to get a professional to diagnose the fault.
If you are advised that your Volvo has a broken power window switch that needs to be replaced typically, it is the driver’s master switch that fails, as it is used most often.
The master switch is usually a larger component with toggles/buttons to activate all the vehicle’s windows. They are usually found in the door armrest or in the centre console and often a moulded plastic assembly.
Power window switches have toggles/buttons that are flicked or pushed to activate the power window function. They're an electrical device that's connected to the Volvo's wiring either directly or via a control module.
There are a couple of variations to how the circuit operates. One system, when activated, will transfer power to the window motor which will then turn one way or the other depending on whether the window is to open or close.
Other systems close a relay when the switch is activated on the door module. This sends a message to the control module to activate the window motor. This type of system is more likely on a vehicle that has multiple operations on the one module/switch. A window master switch can also have other functions such as mirror and door lock controls included.
When the power window switch fails you may notice:
- The master switch works but the switch for a particular door doesn't work
- Windows don’t operate
- One window doesn’t work
- Intermittent or erratic operation
It's important to be gentle when removing and fitting switches on Volvo's as they are usually made from plastic and can easily crack or split with too much force.
When the power window switch fails it’s more an inconvenience than anything but if your window is open and you can’t lock your vehicle securely and it is subsequently stolen, insurance companies may choose not to pay out on a claim.
And, if the driver's window is stuck in a closed position, just remember not to go through any drive-thru fast food joints!
It’s worth booking a window switch expert through AutoGuru to prevent this inconvenience.
Volvo Models
- Volvo 142
- Volvo 144
- Volvo 145
- Volvo 164
- Volvo 240
- Volvo 242
- Volvo 244
- Volvo 245
- Volvo 262
- Volvo 264
- Volvo 265
- Volvo 360
- Volvo 440
- Volvo 460
- Volvo 480
- Volvo 740
- Volvo 760
- Volvo 850
- Volvo 940
- Volvo 960
- Volvo C30
- Volvo C70
- Volvo Cross Country
- Volvo S40
- Volvo S60
- Volvo S70
- Volvo S80
- Volvo S90
- Volvo V40
- Volvo V50
- Volvo V60
- Volvo V70
- Volvo V90
- Volvo V90 Cross Country
- Volvo XC40
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC70
- Volvo XC90