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Possible New Parts Supplier. Edit: Quality report.

Fordum

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As many of you know, I manage to run just about any kind of vehicle except GM.
Last weekend, the normally solid 250 was down with a reoccurring problem that WILL be fixed this week.
I may post a thread bout it later.

So, the M-class Mercedes was pressed into service at the hunting camp. Those cars have the window switches on the center console so both passenger and driver can reach them.
I like that because only one set is needed.

But, they have a flaw. After a couple of years of use, the switch leafs bend, and they get hard to make the window roll up. Since all the switches are in one module, you have to replace the whole thing at a cost of well over $100.
I think Merc wants close to $300.
Year or so ago, I refused to play their game, pulled the module out and figured out how to repair an individual switch.
Even worked out a mod to stop it from happening if it does it again.

Then came this weekend.

I had laid a heavy walkie talkie on the dash as I was getting in the car with gun and heavy jacket.
Just as I got seated, they called and said the deer was about to cross the road around the corner.
I punched it.

The radio sailed off the dash and scored a direct hit on the driver side window switch driving it back into the console and locking the window in the down position.
I whipped out my pocketknife as I was driving and managed to pry the switch up enough to stop the window from possibly burning up the motor.

Later I teased it up enough for it to work correctly. But there is obviously serious damage.
Its loose in the socket, has no spring tension, and makes crackling noises when operated.
I'm afraid that it will crumble to pieces if I try to work on it.

So, I started shopping for a module. Found this outfit I never heard of before.

http://www.switchdoctor.net/

They had the best price I saw, supposedly lifetime warranty, and promised a quick shipment.
I ordered a module that morning, got a shipping notice about lunch.

I checked some Blazer switch prices, but not sure if they have what you guys would need, nor am I sure about the prices.

The one I was really interested in was the back window key switch that I hear so much about.
Did not see one of them. May not have looked at the right place.

I cannot recommend them yet, as I have not gotten my order to check the quality. but I will post a followup when I do.
If their stuff is good, one of you might send them a question about that tailgate switch.
Their website makes them look like they are serious about selling all kinds of window switches.
 
Last edited:
I needed to update and pretty much close out this thread.

The place shipped the switch out the same day I ordered it. I got it fairly quickly, but was busy doing other stuff and did not check the mail often enough to be sure how fast.
Within a couple of days though.

It looked fine, I could not see any difference on the outside from the original.

Today I got time to install it. As you can see from the pics, it is almost completely identical to the factory one, except for one small hole and no markings on it anywhere.

I don't think I have ever seen a part with no maker name, id, or part number anywhere.

I installed it, and it seems to work fine. I was a little upset by one thing though. The door lock button had been getting flaky and had finally quit.

Since the keyfob battery had died also, it was a small pain to lock the car. Due to the way the locks acted when they quit, I had a hunch it was the lock module, and I would have to run it down and fix it.

When I put in the new switch pack, the locks started working again! Makes me feel silly.
It was a dirty switch all along. Had I realized it, I would have fixed it before now.

Anyway, so far so good. It fit, was reasonably priced, and seems to work great. If I have a problem, I will post it here, but so far I could recommend them.

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