This happened to me the other day on my 2001 Z24, I'm sure it will apply to other Cavaliers as well.

Hopefully this will help someone else and save a few bucks...

Anywyas, my drivers side window would go down, and wouldn't go back up. Of course it was a rainy day lol..

Anyways, I had assumed I needed to buy a new switch so I decided to take the old "broken" switch unit apart.

The plastic trim housing the window controls will snap right out of the center console.

You then have to remove a blue clip, this will then allow you to remove the wiring harness from the rear of the controls.

After this, you will need a small flathead screwdriver to pry the controls out of the center console housing.

You can then unsnap the rear piece that the harness plugged into. Next, you'll have to push the whole unit out through the bottom, but before doing this, you have to snap off the window buttons. Be VERY CAREFUL doing this, I ended up breaking 1 of the tabs that held the button on for each button.

If anyone has tips to take the buttons off easier, please feel free to add to my post.

After the buttons are removed, you will see 2 square/circle shaped things that the buttons snapped onto. Push until the whole unit comes out.

Once out, you will have to unsnap each of the levers that the buttons snaps onto. Then you will see 4 metal tabs that the switch moves to make contact. These will pop right out without force.

I used a LITTLE rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts. Which were absolutely filthy, which was the cause of my problem.

After you clean the contacts, re-assemble in reverse order, and if it works, great! You saved some cash. If not, you'll have to search the boneyard or dealership for a replacement unit.

Good luck, I hope this helps someone. If there are any more questions feel free to contact me on AIM.


I invented the idea of sniffing your fingers when you've spilled gas on them.

Hey

Great write-up. I just got a 2000 Sunfire for free and the window on driver side front did the same thing as yours... i havent tried it since taking it apart but it was full of dog hair and black goo on the contacts. good cleanup in acetone and im confident windows will be working beautifully again!

to pop off the buttons, I am using a set of hook & pick tools (available at Walmart)....its got all kinds of twisty hooks and very fine tips. Basically insert between the inside of the button to pry the plastic housing apart so you dont break the tooth on the button. Hard to describe, easy to do when looking at it.

here's an update, i guess it didnt do anything (bummer). I'll bust out the voltmeter and test the switch.