So my beloved VRX has had a recent and somewhat serious problem. For a few months the drivers window switch (centre console) had been sticking when pressed up or down but still worked and I lived with it The other week it was playing up a lot and then finally popped out of its housing. Following this a burning smell and visible smoke came from the centre console area where the power windows are located.

I was somewhat alarmed but quickly discovered all switches were dead (lucky that all windows were already up!). Also this has caused my electric drivers seat to become dead too. I'm thinking a fuse has blown?

So I need some pretty urgent advice on what to do or where to take it for repair (auto electrician?). Or do I need to replace the entire windows console. I've attached pics to assist.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8UUOmOElcpWNjE2cmYybWJTczg/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8UUOmOElcpWaHhqalppOGoxQ1E/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8UUOmOElcpWZnJFQ2hIT3pTYU0/edit?usp=sharing

Cheers.

Checking a fuse is the first thing you should do.... More than likely it is blown, the window switch should have blown it. If your fuse is blown buy a power window switch and replace the fuse that should fix your problem. If with the new window switch it blows another fuse then take it to an auto electrician.

Other people can correct me if I'm wrong but this is probably what an auto electrical would do anyway so save yourself some labour cost and replace the switch that's had it anyway.
Be sure to replace the fuse with the recommended amps no more.

Hope it helps

Open up the switch and have a bit of a fiddle. You have nothing to lose! Auto Elecs will charge you a fortune for doing what Dayno said. Ive never seen inside one of these switches, but its usually quite a visual thing. If you give up after 10 minutes, get calling wreckers. They are apparently hard to come by, so be prepared to pay a bit. good luck!

iIf you need a switch send me a message i have a spare (silver)

iIf you need a switch send me a message i have a spare (silver)

You mean the entire 4 switch console and board underneath?

Checking a fuse is the first thing you should do.... More than likely it is blown, the window switch should have blown it. If your fuse is blown buy a power window switch and replace the fuse that should fix your problem. If with the new window switch it blows another fuse then take it to an auto electrician.

Other people can correct me if I'm wrong but this is probably what an auto electrical would do anyway so save yourself some labour cost and replace the switch that's had it anyway.
Be sure to replace the fuse with the recommended amps no more.

Hope it helps

Thanks for that. I'm going to see what an Auto Electrician can initially diagnose. I'm a bit worried as apparently the drivers seat is separate to the windows?

Do they diagnose for free? Or are you rich? Because if neither of these apply, unplug the window switch and change the fuse and then see if the seat works... Free diagnosis! Im not sure if they are on the same circuit, but this simple test will pretty much tell you. And if they went at the same time, thats quite supportive of the theory...

Do they diagnose for free? Or are you rich? Because if neither of these apply, unplug the window switch and change the fuse and then see if the seat works... Free diagnosis!

Lol shezza. Im poor thats why i check myself....
Don't be concerned buzzzfuzz. The fuses are there to stop melting wires and starting fires. That's why you never replace fuses with a higher amperage. It will take you less time to check the fuse than to go to an auto elec. if your not sure where the fuse box is just ask..... We may take the piss but we will answer.....

Looks like the seat and the windows get their power via the 40A and 120A fusible links which I believe are in the relay box under the bonnet, most likely one or the other (or both) are fried.

Its not rare to have customers call us and the fuse is simply blow. 9/10, there is no ongoing problem and it is cured. A tester is a great cheap tool to own. Testing fuses is fun! (If you have a seriously dull life). Though its pretty quick and easy :) And in the case of fusible links, all you need is a good set of eyes and a torch possibly. Unless someone has money coming out of their behind, its good to save a few bucks and learn a bit while they are at it. The fuse/relay box on the bonnet is even kid friendly with all the pretty pictures. If I recall correctly, it has what looks like a window with an up and down arrow on it. Half painted white and the other not.
Buzzfuzz, if you need another fuse... you can pull it out with some pliers (be careful not to clamp it too much as they can be brital) and pull it out. Take it to Repco, Bursons or any Auto related shop and you will pick one up for pocket change pretty much.
This is basic learning which could slowly blossom into slightly more complicated learning. Not only could it save you money, but could save you trouble one day. Good to know the basics!

In case you dont have a basic understanding, a fuse is basically a piece of wire that can only handle so much current. When a short occurs, the current increases beyond the regular current expected in the circuit and melts the wire in the fuse.

So it seems very clear you have had a short happen inside your window switches and this would cause a blown fuse. So by disconnecting the switches, you have disconnected from the part that has the short and are then protected from blowing it again. Unless for some funny reason you decide to re-plug it (unless you open it and fix it, you dont want to re-plug it).
You wont be proud if the Auto Elec takes $200 off of you, but you will be proud, slightly more educated and probably $100 richer if you go the avenue everyone is suggesting.
Let us know how you go :)

I'm not in the position to learn 101 basics on car fuses right now. I need it fixed, and asap. Life is pretty full on at for me atm. A couple of hundred bucks isn't a concern for. But I understand your advice Shezza and what future knowledge may entail from the learning. My main concern is that the board underneath the switches has died which would require a replacement and from what I've been told, hard to come by these days.

I'm not in the position to learn 101 basics on car fuses right now. I need it fixed, and asap. Life is pretty full on at for me atm. A couple of hundred bucks isn't a concern for. But I understand your advice Shezza and what future knowledge may entail from the learning. My main concern is that the board underneath the switches has died which would require a replacement and from what I've been told, hard to come by these days.

Mate these blokes have taken the time to offer you advice on how go about fixing this problem because you asked.
If you are time poor and have the money ,just take it to an auto electrician and let him fix it, Cheers.

They are not hard to come by these days, they are impossible to come by as Mits no longer have them in stock and do not intend to stock them again. I am trying to get some made up at the moment but will take a while

Your fuse issue, is a fuse in the engine bay fuse box, a green square one to help you locate it

The switch, your best bet is to find a used one and fit that, the electrical plug into the switch can be easily fixed if it is also burnt

Lesson here, if in future a switch starts playing up fix it straight away and dont wait for it to fall apart

I'm not in the position to learn 101 basics on car fuses right now. I need it fixed, and asap. Life is pretty full on at for me atm. A couple of hundred bucks isn't a concern for. But I understand your advice Shezza and what future knowledge may entail from the learning. My main concern is that the board underneath the switches has died which would require a replacement and from what I've been told, hard to come by these days.

Buzzzfuzz I can understand time poor, let us know how you go with the auto elec. helps us with our egos you know....

Anyone know do you know what the power window switches normally go for 2nd hand? Might save you getting ripped off.

Mate these blokes have taken the time to offer you advice on how go about fixing this problem because you asked.
If you are time poor and have the money ,just take it to an auto electrician and let him fix it, Cheers.

Not denying this mate. These boards are a wealth of helpful knowledge and I have learnt many a thing here. Knowledge is power however my current lifestyle just needs it fixed asap. I'm all for advice and learning and are thankful when it's on offer.

Yeah thanks Dayno. Dropped her off this morning to an Auto Electrician for initial diagnosis free of charge. He will get back to me on his verdict and if I want to go ahead for future repairs and part sourcing. I must say not have working windows is a major pain the ass lol. Carparks with ticket boomgates haven't been kind to me lol or Maccas drive through!

Are you referring to the the 4 switch console housing itself or the electronic board underneath it. I assumed it would be wreckers sourcing job based on this. Can you confirm if the TL VRX uses the same centre console as other TL variants? Might help for sourcing at wreckers etc due to more options.

Give mits-fix a call its in mad magnas signature, you will get a discount if he has one in stock. Plus it's helping fellow board members out. Not too busy to make a phone call...... If you call any wreckers they should help you out. The are a good source of information about model variations.

Your 'free consult' turns into a more expensive parts and labour. I bet if they diagnose it then you say you don't want anything fixed and you will do it yourself there will be a charge.. Nothing comes for free

These are very hard to get, we do not have any in stock, generally they sell used between $110 and I have seen them up to $200 since they were no longer available new

The VRX set up is the same just a different colour

When you get a switch it comes assembled which is how they were supplied when new

Update: So the luckily no fuses have blown. The issue is the console system board under the window switches has fried with certain contacts no longer attached hence the smoke I would have seen. He has advised me he can fix it most likely but without a replacement console he can swap the broken drivers switch to one of the rear window housings so at least I'll have the front and driver windows working but possibly one rear window able to function.

However he said the broken drivers side switch could still work but would be needed to pushed very softly. I'm happy with this temp solution until I can source an new/second hand complete windows console. And like all have mentioned previously they are extremely hard to source. On another note he fixed my electric drivers seat which was a nice surprise. My Auto Elec still has the board at his workshop and will give me an update today when I bring the car back to him.

@Mad Magna you mentioned apart from the colour differences would it be ok to source a console for the TL from another model (GTV etc?) Also Do the TE/TW models share the same centre window control switch. Just thinking if I went to a wreckers and found one that is non VRX. Thanks again for all help here guys.

You know you have to tell us how much he charged now :P I've never seen a cheap auto elec! Very surprising that no fuse blew... To see smoke and no fuse blowing, that's really a fuse not doing its job :/ What was wrong with the chair then? Anyone know if it runs on the same circuit?
I was at the self service wreckers yesterday and was surprised to see a few TL/TWs. But no surprise, all the switches were gone.
TE-TJ have door mounted switches. And I recall reading there is a TL/TW that also uses it, though you should definitely grab whatever you can get! Can probably change the faceplate anyway if that is the difference between the two.

You know you have to tell us how much he charged now :P I've never seen a cheap auto elec! Very surprising that no fuse blew... To see smoke and no fuse blowing, that's really a fuse not doing its job :/ What was wrong with the chair then? Anyone know if it runs on the same circuit?
I was at the self service wreckers yesterday and was surprised to see a few TL/TWs. But no surprise, all the switches were gone.
TE-TJ have door mounted switches. And I recall reading there is a TL/TW that also uses it, though you should definitely grab whatever you can get! Can probably change the faceplate anyway if that is the difference between the two.

He showed me the board and without getting too technical (knowledge of the part names escape me). Basically there was a little copper link that had detached (fried off) the contact point on the board. He thinks that was the smoke related prob. Thus killing all power. He seemed to know his shit and has had many Magnas over the years. Ironically there is a 1980s Bentley in the workshop so I'd say he's pretty good at his trade. And yes it will cost but probably as much in fuel running around Sydney for several days looking for a console lol. I don't care for colour matching at the moment. I'm also glad my air con is working brilliantly with no working windows lol

Why the **** are there no switches?!?! Surely not all owners have broken ones lol...

Come on buzzzfuzz what's he charging you......

It's a bit of a worry that it didn't blow a fuse. I would replace the fuse regardless.

There is a silver centre console switch for your car for $175.

It's much easier to ring around wreckers than drive around and be disappointed.

http://www.world4cars.com.au/Parts/Info/6286/POWER-WINDOW-SWITCH
There in nsw. Their number is there and everything....

How did he get the seat working?

@Dayno

Price won't be know until I go back most likely today. I'm aware of the what it would possibly be in the hundreds but I understood that as he has to re solder and connect the existing control board. I've called 15 wreckers today. One had one on their site but sold almost immediately.

http://clients.actual-australia.com/os/partsplus/details_popup.php?sh_code=ns15&uniquen=1000246167&stockno=A004447&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fclients.actual-australia.com%2Fos%2Finc%2FbackGroundActivity.php% 3FopsId%3Dpartsplus%26activityType%3DdisplayResult s%26year%3D2003%26make%3D90%26model%3D174&search_model=&search_manu=&search_fuelType=

Half had nfi what a TL Magana was. The link you provided is apparently years old and he sold that yonks ago lol as I gave him a call. Funny thing is he said straight away what I was ringing for lol. Not sure about the seat as I only found it working once I drove back home and tried it.

Looks like it's back to GTA V for me... sigh

No, only the TL and TW have the console switch, the Verada in the KL and KW have door mounted switches as does the GTVi

I am trying to get some made as we speak brand new as I sold near on 200 of these in about 18 months. When I found out Mits had only about 30 left I purchased them all, sold off 28 of them and kept a few for myself should I ever need them. There were 15 odd of the darker VRX ones still which I also purchased, sold 13 of them and kept again 2 of them for myself

No, only the TL and TW have the console switch, the Verada in the KL and KW have door mounted switches as does the GTVi

I am trying to get some made as we speak brand new as I sold near on 200 of these in about 18 months. When I found out Mits had only about 30 left I purchased them all, sold off 28 of them and kept a few for myself should I ever need them. There were 15 odd of the darker VRX ones still which I also purchased, sold 13 of them and kept again 2 of them for myself

Ahh monopoly at it's finest. The power of supply and demand. I'd be willing to road trip to Victoria if your willing to part a vrx console for a fair price. Plus I could do with a decent service while I'm there that you offer. I'll get my repaired master console back tomorrow but who knows what the quality will be. Plus I'm off work till Monday so have time.

So all sorted and installed today. He removed the switch board assembly and repaired the printed circuit board. The faulty (sticking) drivers switch was the cause overloading the board causing the blowout and visible burning and smoke. He also sourced a new window switch for the drivers window that had broke (from another TL/TW I assume). The existing VRX centre console was kept.

Only issue is the driver window doesn't go down automatically once pressed as previously however I have no issue with that. Total cost including the board repair and testing was $300. Another place quoted me $200 just for an initial visual inspection and diagnosis lol So in all very happy. Two days in total and I kept my car until I came back for the console to be put back in.

PM me if you're in Sydney and want his contact info. He is located in Artarmon.

Nothing to do with Monopoly at all, I knew they were there so I spent the $$ on them and got them, nothing wrong with that it is called Business last time I looked.

Sorry but not selling parts kept for my own car, would be silly as then one day I will be in the same situation.

Used switches for the VRX I have 1 in stock for $135, they dont last long on the shelf, this week I wrecked 2 TL's and both switches were sold within hours

Nothing to do with Monopoly at all, I knew they were there so I spent the $$ on them and got them, nothing wrong with that it is called Business last time I looked.

Sorry but not selling parts kept for my own car, would be silly as then one day I will be in the same situation.

Used switches for the VRX I have 1 in stock for $135, they dont last long on the shelf, this week I wrecked 2 TL's and both switches were sold within hours

Wasn't having a go mate. You do a great sevice for this community, I have no doubt I'll be needing you in the future for something.

No, only the TL and TW have the console switch, the Verada in the KL and KW have door mounted switches as does the GTVi

I am trying to get some made as we speak brand new as I sold near on 200 of these in about 18 months. When I found out Mits had only about 30 left I purchased them all, sold off 28 of them and kept a few for myself should I ever need them. There were 15 odd of the darker VRX ones still which I also purchased, sold 13 of them and kept again 2 of them for myself

is this a common fault in the TL/TW? Are the centre switches of a lower quality than the door mounted switches in the TE-TJ? Just Madmagnas comment about selling 200 of these over the past 18 months sounds like quite a bit. Just curious as to how many TE - TJ switches you have sold in the same time.

I still find it funny that the chair and windows went at the same time and it wasnt a fuse. I am weary because fixing a switch pays more than changing a fuse...
And I would expect an old car to be a heap easier to work on really. Besides not being as familiar... Less wires does make life easier. I hope he isnt charging your pants off for some easy fix is all. Like manafacturing a simple set up of two position momentary switches. Not so familiar with window main controls, but I doubt it would be so hard!
Good luck anyway! :)

Just saw this on ebay... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TL-Magna-power-window-master-switch-/111177007989?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19e2aa8375

I still find it funny that the chair and windows went at the same time and it wasnt a fuse. I am weary because fixing a switch pays more than changing a fuse...
And I would expect an old car to be a heap easier to work on really. Besides not being as familiar... Less wires does make life easier. I hope he isnt charging your pants off for some easy fix is all. Like manafacturing a simple set up of two position momentary switches. Not so familiar with window main controls, but I doubt it would be so hard!
Good luck anyway! :)

Just saw this on ebay... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TL-Magna-power-window-master-switch-/111177007989?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19e2aa8375

It's all sorted. See what I wrote a few posts back. Trust me, I rang about 20 wreckers. One still had a listing on his site that was sold 2 years ago lol

When I picked up my TL wagon it had broken electric window switches. The drivers switch had collapsed and caused a short circuit that also stopped the electric seat from working. Apparently a relay needed replacing. This was done before I picked it up so I'm not 100% sure which relay it was but there is definitely a connection between the window switches and the seat

Frequently such problems are relays in the relay box behind the LHF Headlight, don't have a box to look at right now my Magnas not here, both manual and car have been borrowed by one of my sons, but have a look to see if the windows and seats are on the same relay. Where I live ANTS love electrics and that place is a nice warm dry spot so make sure there are no ants there either if so you will have to replace the relay also give the box a spray with baygon, up here in Darwin the auto electricians carry it as part of their normal maintenance tools!

Relay will cost 30 to 40 dollars each