Avensis Passenger Window Lock Switch

[The Old Man]

The passenger window lock switch on my 2002 Avensis GS Wagon has suddenly 'sunk' into the armrest and because it seems to be in the 'locked' position we can't open the passenger window from either the drivers side nor the passengers side. Of course, my 10 yr old son denies all knowledge. Does anyone know how it can be replaced please ? Any suggestions on how to replace the switch would be equally gratefully received as well !

Trevor.

[Starensis]

The passenger window lock switch on my 2002 Avensis GS Wagon has suddenly 'sunk' into the armrest and because it seems to be in the 'locked' position we can't open the passenger window from either the drivers side nor the passengers side. Of course, my 10 yr old son denies all knowledge. Does anyone know how it can be replaced please ? Any suggestions on how to replace the switch would be equally gratefully received as well !

Trevor.

Take the armrest cover off (1 screw under cap & pull up ). You can then separate the switch from the trim. May be the trim holding it down. If it is, file away some of the trim ( or smear some grease around it ) & it should work ok after.

If the switch is damaged, you may need to strip the switch down or replace it.

[The Old Man]

Thanks for your prompt reply - I've seen a plastic plug in the 'pull-grab trough' in the armrest but as it seemed to be moulded to the trough in three or four places I'd assumed it wasn't meant to come off. I'll try it tomorrow and see how I get on. Once again, many thanks.

[The Old Man]

Managed to make time this afternoon to have a look at it.

Undid the screw, disconnected the electrics and removed the unit from the car to have a closer look at it.

The switch plunger can be retreived with the aid of a pair of pliers and pulled up but when it's pressed again, it stays down and has to be pulled up with pliers. The switch unit seems to consist of a base plate and a plastic cover with three fine screws holding them together. If they're undone, the only things preventing access to the baseplate are the two remaining window switch rockers and the door lock button. Is there a way of removing these switch covers to allow full access to the base plate and therefore the 'sticking' mechanism of thw window lock switch ? Just as a matter of interest I rang my local T. dealer who have quoted £90 for a replacement unit !

I've only had the car for a fortnight after having a Rover for many years, and the difference is just unbelievable. The Avensis drives like a dream ! Wish I'd swapped a long time ago but now that I know what I've been missing I'm won over !

Regards,

Trevor.

[tubaman]

I think this is quite a common problem as same happened to me last yr - luckily I managed to dig the switch out.

[Steve84]

Managed to make time this afternoon to have a look at it.

Undid the screw, disconnected the electrics and removed the unit from the car to have a closer look at it.

The switch plunger can be retreived with the aid of a pair of pliers and pulled up but when it's pressed again, it stays down and has to be pulled up with pliers. The switch unit seems to consist of a base plate and a plastic cover with three fine screws holding them together. If they're undone, the only things preventing access to the baseplate are the two remaining window switch rockers and the door lock button. Is there a way of removing these switch covers to allow full access to the base plate and therefore the 'sticking' mechanism of thw window lock switch ? Just as a matter of interest I rang my local T. dealer who have quoted £90 for a replacement unit !

I've only had the car for a fortnight after having a Rover for many years, and the difference is just unbelievable. The Avensis drives like a dream ! Wish I'd swapped a long time ago but now that I know what I've been missing I'm won over !

Regards,

Trevor.

It is a common problem we have 3 avensis at work where the switch has got stuck in the lock postion. Also i'd like to back up your comment on rover being a ex rover driver myself.

[The Old Man]

Thanks for the replies - it seems it may be a minor design fault. I was going to see about getting a replacement from a breakers yard but I think the best bet is to pull the plunger into the unlocked position before drilling and pinning it to disable it. It's a thoughful safety feature but at the end of the day I would guess a little used one.

Once again, thanks to all for the repiles.

Trevor