Two problems Radio and window switch

[tomd]

Two problems :help:

#1 my driver window switch (wiring) must be lose. Goes down fine but have to jiggle the switch for it to work and go back up.

Second
My radio antenna is loose (I think) cuz the radio stations stop coming in clear; I did check the connection in the rear window and that's fine. I believe it’s the antenna because I can grab some wires below the dash and play with them and it works then it loses the signal.

QUESTIONS ARE :confused:

How do you open the plate to the window switches?
And
What’s the easiest way to get to the radio antenna?

Thanks :)

[RoyLPita]

There should be an indentation on the door panel where it meets the switch bezel. I had to pop mine out to replace my door speakers. As for the antenna, it starts at the radio then goes toward the right side of the dash where it continues toward the rear. I've seen OASIS reports of radios being replaced because of fuzzy station access.

[Marauderjack]

My radio was replaced under warranty after it totally quit recieving well....It always was a bit spotty and I thought it was a weak station!! :confused:

One of our members sold me his new 2004 OEM radio as a spare while I had mine out for Ford's repair/replace warranty program!! Sometimes takes a week or two to get one :rolleyes:

I still have the virtually new unit and will sell it to ya if you are out of warranty....otherwise the warrany replacement is the ticket!! :bows: :beer:

BTW...very easy to remove and replace...email me if interested!! ;)

Marauderjack :D

[Todd]

My window switches did the same thing. I had the switches replaced under warranty. Maybe they could have cleaned the contacts or something but they just replaced.





Two problems :help:

#1 my driver window switch (wiring) must be lose. Goes down fine but have to jiggle the switch for it to work and go back up.

Second
My radio antenna is loose (I think) cuz the radio stations stop coming in clear; I did check the connection in the rear window and that's fine. I believe it’s the antenna because I can grab some wires below the dash and play with them and it works then it loses the signal.

QUESTIONS ARE :confused:

How do you open the plate to the window switches?
And
What’s the easiest way to get to the radio antenna?

Thanks :)

[tomd]

Thanks for your help

My warranty ran out the end of June this year. The switch started going bad in July and the radio went out the end of August! :bigcry:

Did I read that the window switch plate is one unit, so if one switch goes bad you have to replace the whole assemble? Is there no easy way to pop out this assembly from the armrest?

Am pretty sure that the antenna plug came off or is very lose on the radio.
Thanks for the offer Marauderjack, but I think if I need a new radio I’ll put in a lot better sound system then what’s in the car now, I never like it. :mad2: I guess I was spoiled by the JBL sound system that came with my 1992 Grand Marquis :beer:

[rookie1]

Thanks for your help

Did I read that the window switch plate is one unit, so if one switch goes bad you have to replace the whole assemble? Is there no easy way to pop out this assembly from the armrest?

Am pretty sure that the antenna plug came off or is very lose on the radio.
Thanks for the offer Marauderjack, but I think if I need a new radio I’ll put in a lot better sound system then what’s in the car now, I never like it. :mad2: I guess I was spoiled by the JBL sound system that came with my 1992 Grand Marquis :beer:

gently slide a small screwdiver under the switch plate closest to the door and pry up, they pop out real easy but it gives you that "uh-oh I broke it feeling".
Take a look at your switches, everything pops off pretty easy once you have that panel off. I had a sticky button and popped out the assembly and sprayed it with Brake cleaner(didn't have any contact cleaner) and it worked fine. The design of the window allows water to drip onto that switch panel if the window is cracked open even slightly when it's raining/snowing.

[Wags]

Tom,

My driver front window is exactly how yours is. I took out the switch, ohmed it out, and that's what is bad. All of the other windows are fine. The down position is fine, but the up is what is bad. I have to really play with it (the switch, get your minds out of the gutter..) to get it to work. It has to be from all of the water getting into it over the last 3+ years, as it really drips bad, even with just the window opened a crack. The switch was pretty well corroded, and I cleaned it out as best I could. The only fix that I can see is replacement of the switch module.

Wags

[rookie1]

Two problems :help:


What’s the easiest way to get to the radio antenna?

Thanks :)


you need a din removal tool. It's a "u" shaped piece of wire with a slightly larger tip and indentation. You can get them at any Radio Shack or car stereo shop. Chances are if you go to a Circuit city and ask one of the install guys, he'll just give you a couple. You can make do with only one but it's easier with 2.
The symptoms you are describing sound like a faulty radio, that antenna cable fits pretty tightly into the back of the HU and I'd be surprised if it came loose.

[twolow]

I have to really play with it to get it to work. It has to be from all of the water getting into it over the last 3+ years, as it really drips bad.
My mind is never out of the gutter :neener:

BTW, you should get that drip looked at ;)

[GreekGod]

As Rookie1 said, it's really easy to access and change the window switch. Mine was replaced under warrenty but since I have a $50 deductible and the dealer charged about $47 for parts and labor, I could have changed it myself for the price of the switch and about 10 minutes of my own labor. I installed 4 new Boston Acoustic 5x7 (matching) 2 way door and deck speakers after the switch replacement and I then found out what a simple (as it should be) job it is to do.