BE/BH window switch fix!!!

[2000gtb]

DISCLAIMER JUST a tutorial, proceed at your own risk

This fix is for when your window sometimes or wont go up or down... most likely its not the motor

Well, I have 2 BH, one an outback and a GT.. both had similar problems where the window switch would no longer roll up on the driver side due to excessive use or being worn out.. the first time it happened, I ended up buying new switch.. It cost over 100 bucks and did not feet like spending more money to fix the other switch in the GT.. So I decided to fix it on my own...

First Step is to take the switch panel off.. start from the buttom to avoid breaking the tabs, I used a flat head screw driver to pry it, disconnect the mirror plug then the window plug.. there will be 4 screws on the buttom, take those off and also take the backing off the switch...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru038-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru043-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru044-1.jpg
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https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru046-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru047-1.jpg

[2000gtb]

Next step

take the switches off carefully since the mechanical things inside is very fragile (side note, some may come up with the switch lever and some may stay.. ) you need to take off all 4 levers and the window lock button which also has fragile tabs underneath.. you then need a flathead screw driver to unhook the tabs off the plug area in order for it to come apart...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru042-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru041-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru040-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru039-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru037-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru036-1.jpg

[2000gtb]

so you have it apart??? lets continue... In my case I couldnt roll up my driver window.. (if you are doing this your self you should know which switch to take apart) pull off the auto down lever gently (let me stress again that these are fragile) then I used a pick to pry off the cover and expose the metal mechanism that closes the circuit... take it apart and clean the contact points.. in my case since the contact point was a little worn out, I bent the little metal piece down..( on the pic it shows the top left is just a hair bent).. put everything back together and everything should work.. Good luck..
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru035-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru034-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru033-1.jpg
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https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/01/Subaru032-1.jpg

[chuckthefuk]

Perfect!!! I was looking for this info.... Thanks!
-Chuck

[Bataru]

can you give more details on how to take off the 4 levers and the window lock button ? ...i seem to be having trouble with that

[2000gtb]

the white plastic inside or the black main one.., If you are talking about the outer black ones, I used a small flathead screw driver and pried it off its pivot points on the sides.. the trick is to pull it in the "up" position while you stick the screw drivers on both sides to take it off the pivot and have a constant pull till it comes off... as you can see on the white plastics inside there is aslo a pivot point on it...

I dont know if that made sense

[Bataru]

that did make sense.... that is what i ended up doing in the end.... but i am still having difficulty getting the white ones off they are alot tighter... i need some sorta special tool for this... some sorta "pick".......BUT after a tough struggle i got it off.... and cleaned my contacts.....now my drivers window works great too! :razz:

[2000gtb]

nice... good to hear i can help a little

i used one of those screwdriver looking thingy with a bent and pointy tip... works well

[rougeben83]

good work!

[akcel]

just did this. worked out great! i didnt remove the clear plastic switch though. just lifted the tabs and the whole housing together to get to the metal pieces inside

[2000gtb]

Sometimes when you first pull the outer (black) lever switch the clear ones comes off with it..

[chuckthefuk]

These procedures work on Gen 2 BD/BK/BG "however" the last few steps do not work. You can pull the button off but not the plastic casing. This gives you enough room to pull the metal tab out of the switch clean it, bend it and before re-assembly take a white eraser and break a small piece of it off and place it in the oxidized copper areas of the switch. Then take a flat head screwdriver and gently massage the eraser over the copper until all oxidization goes way.

My buddy Zak and a few other non-members thank you!

-Chuck

[MRLancaster]

Hmm...maybe I can finally get my rear right window to work again. :D

[96LegacyWagon]

What main differences am I looking at for my 96 wagon? I was referred to this thread by the facebook thread I posted about my door locks not locking/unlocking when I unlock the driver's door like they used to. I checked the fuses before posting, so I'm guessing it's something other than the fuse?


These procedures work on Gen 2 BD/BK/BG "however" the last few steps do not work. You can pull the button off but not the plastic casing. This gives you enough room to pull the metal tab out of the switch clean it, bend it and before re-assembly take a white eraser and break a small piece of it off and place it in the oxidized copper areas of the switch. Then take a flat head screwdriver and gently massage the eraser over the copper until all oxidization goes way.

My buddy Zak and a few other non-members thank you!

-Chuck

[chuckthefuk]

oops sorry ... got mixed up..
i read window for some reason..

PM me and I will help you out.

-Chuck

[subaruhunter]

I see and understand this post BUT the 98' Legacy Outback is a DIFFERENT switch which is near impossible to remove the circuit board from the casing.

1. Removed master switch from panel.
2. COnfirmed motor was operational with 12VDC connection from battery.
3. Buttons on top of switch WILL not come off.
4. Bottom case lid comes off exposing circuit board module but it won't come out.


SO has anyone ever got a 98' master switch apart?
97'-99' year master switches in Subaru Legacy/Outback are compatible.

Need pics and procedure to remove master switch circuit board.

The part new at dealer is $165 and auto store $127.
No used parts found on internet or wrecking yard.

[subaruhunter]

oops sorry ... got mixed up..
i read window for some reason..

PM me and I will help you out.

-Chuck
Not sure how to PM you, thanks

[chuckthefuk]

click on the PM icon at the bottom of my post. Its in between "profile / pm / email"

Ebay has lots of switches..

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=96+ ... &_osacat=0 (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=96+subaru+legacy+outback+windows+master+switch&_sacat=0&_odkw=96+subaru+legacy+outback+windows+switch&_osacat=0)

[subaruhunter]

Hi Need guidance on 98' legacy master switch. Have it removed can't access contacts due to inability remove buttons.

[OlyOriginal]

Drivers window would not roll up.
With this forum just took an hour of of my evening and now my window works great.
Very well done, thank you very much.