I hate the power window and door lock switches

[PhotonFanatic]

Anyone else have problems with these repeatedly breaking? I got new switches from LMC Truck. They work for awhile after I fix something but I keep having to take them back apart. There's always a new problem.

Anyone else ever replace these switches with something better? Maybe a different switch with better connectors? That can maintain good contact. Thank you

 

[Radiohead]

I'm not that far into things yet, so I'm watching to see how it plays out. Not looking forward to the repop horror stories you see out there.

What is their failure, intermittent contact, crap feel, or something else? Or just like too many other things, chinesium?

 

[SquareRoot]

The joy of manual windows in a single cab with ac. Plus, more room for speakers. Carry on

 

[TotalyHucked]

I replaced my entire window setup with NuRelics but just used the standard switches that everybody carries. I just had my driver’s side switch fail after 2 years, just replaced it and all is good.

What specifically is your failure/issue? These switches are cheap for a reason. NuRelics does have upgraded metal switches I believe but idk if they’ll work with the OE stuff or not

 

[Doppleganger]

Mounting something better would be interesting as the odd ergonomics of the factory door panel matches everything else in the cab when it comes to changing or upgrading.

I'd like to find something lighted....if possible.

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[PhotonFanatic]

I'm not that far into things yet, so I'm watching to see how it plays out. Not looking forward to the repop horror stories you see out there.

What is their failure, intermittent contact, crap feel, or something else? Or just like too many other things, chinesium?

I don't think it's the switch itself. It's the connector that sits behind them. That's what I've always had to fix. I've had this truck for 15 years, and I've only had to replace the actual switches once. And who knows how old the previous ones really were. Maybe they were from 1987.

But I think it's just bad design by GM. They didn't make a good electrical connection. It's almost like those spade connectors typically used for speaker wire. But those seem to function a lot better than these do. This is some kind of weird "hook" system where your connector on the end of the wire "hooks" over a rod that plugs into the switch itself. The whole thing is just bad. I'm guessing it was simply cheaper to produce back in the day. I'm going to gut it all one day and put something higher quality in. I just need to find a switch that looks like it belongs in the truck.

The joy of manual windows in a single cab with ac. Plus, more room for speakers. Carry on

Up until I got this silverado I always had manual, now you couldn't pay me to go back. These switches are the only problem outside normal wear and tear. There's more than enough room for speakers.

Truth be told I've had more trouble out of manual. I've had them completely lock up before. And I've bought trucks where the manuals were already dead. I've had the handle break off... just about anything that can go wrong.

Also there was never any way to look cool operating manual windows LOL

 

[PhotonFanatic]

Mounting something better would be interesting as the odd ergonomics of the factory door panel matches everything else in the cab when it comes to changing or upgrading.

I'd like to find something lighted....if possible.

Been looking for this for awhile. Might eventually hire someone to design them. Then maybe sell enough copies to cover the cost. Finally have a normal plug for the back of the switch. And having them light up dimly would be an excellent idea.

 

[SquareRoot]

Up until I got this silverado I always had manual, now you couldn't pay me to go back. These switches are the only problem outside normal wear and tear. There's more than enough room for speakers.

Truth be told I've had more trouble out of manual. I've had them completely lock up before. And I've bought trucks where the manuals were already dead. I've had the handle break off... just about anything that can go wrong.

Also there was never any way to look cool operating manual windows LOL

Get the Autolocs, ditch the factory switches altogether and look cool at the same time. BTW, how does a manual go dead?

 

[saltdog]

Clean all contacts, silicone grease and hope for best and be ready to replace again in a few years-yeah they basically suck

 

[Camar068]

Get the Autolocs, ditch the factory switches altogether and look cool at the same time. BTW, how does a manual go dead?

nice....never heard of them.

 

[PhotonFanatic]

Get the Autolocs, ditch the factory switches altogether and look cool at the same time. BTW, how does a manual go dead?

Never heard of Autolocs before till now

It has been over 10 years since I had to work on manuals. IIRC the little wheels wear out. Had one come loose and that's all she wrote, no more worky. Back in the day I rode in some friend's cars where a manual was stuck. They just lock up completely when they're broke.

Maybe that's from people not lubing them for 20 years

Found this one:

2 Door Universal Car Power Window Kit with Billet Aluminum Black Dayto

AutoLöc’s complete 2-door Daytona Series Universal Power Window Kit comes with everything you need to convert your old manually operated windows into fully electric power windows. Motors connect directly to your existing window crank, making for a quick and easy installation.Unlike other...

shop.autoloc.com

 

[87gmcburb]

In my opinion, Autolocs are great for retrofitting manual crank type to electric in order to keep the crank style look with electric windows. As stated by others, these OEM switches and the connector is trash. I have been taking a serious look at these billet switched from Summit. Upside, they will be easier to operate, look great (I have a Sierra classic with Alum trim and dash bezel). They also have a kit for all 4 doors (I have a burb). Downside: I will need to chop off the oem connector and add spade connectors (not a bad thing as far as I am concerned), the cost is the biggest downside.
For a truck I would use 2 single for the drivers side or see if they have a double.
Note: I have not verified the amperage yet.

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https://www.summitracing.com/parts/eli-99024?rrec=true

 

[87gmcburb]

Just looking at Summit again and I found these that might work great for a 2 door and kick the switches out at an angle instead of being flat againsyt the door panel. The cost is not bad but do not know any other specs on them. Just a thought for you but would need to cut the OEM connector off.

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https://www.summitracing.com/parts/eli-4990-10-421

 

[PhotonFanatic]

Just looking at Summit again and I found these that might work great for a 2 door and kick the switches out at an angle instead of being flat againsyt the door panel. The cost is not bad but do not know any other specs on them. Just a thought for you but would need to cut the OEM connector off.

You must be registered for see images attach

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/eli-4990-10-421

Maybe just take the switches out and make your own little panel. Would look pretty good if the little panel you made was chrome, just like the factory switches. I think that's a key part of this, making it look as though it might have come that way from the factory.

 

[AuroraGirl]

Never heard of Autolocs before till now

It has been over 10 years since I had to work on manuals. IIRC the little wheels wear out. Had one come loose and that's all she wrote, no more worky. Back in the day I rode in some friend's cars where a manual was stuck. They just lock up completely when they're broke.

Maybe that's from people not lubing them for 20 years

Found this one:

2 Door Universal Car Power Window Kit with Billet Aluminum Black Dayto

AutoLöc’s complete 2-door Daytona Series Universal Power Window Kit comes with everything you need to convert your old manually operated windows into fully electric power windows. Motors connect directly to your existing window crank, making for a quick and easy installation.Unlike other...

shop.autoloc.com

these are good style to use because they match the switches GM went to after the ones the OP is referencing, but they faced upward not inward

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