Trying to source tailgate switch for 87 Blazer

[K30Blazer]

Looks like my power tailgate window has finally failed me. I have sourced the problem to either the dash mounted switch or the switch in the tailgate. Seems that the motor is fine, but I can't seem to find a parts supplier for the rear switch. I have tried LMC and JC whitney and while I can find the dash mount switch I can't find the rear.

Anyone have any idea where I can look apart from local junkyards?

 

[Barc]

I see one listed with LMC,
Take your dash switch apart and clean the carbon out of it. It's simple and will narrow it down for you. I have to clean mine every couple of months. You can also bypass the rear switch to check it. you are talking about the safety switch not the key switch aren't you?

 

[K30Blazer]

no, I am talking about the key switch. I have cleaned out the dash switch and although it is getting power it doesn't work. The key switch at the back is powered too, but not working. I don't see one on LMC, do you have a link?

 

[72blazerguy]

Post up if you find something. I have a 91 that has a similar problem. Dash mounted switch works, but key doesn't work in the tailgate. Haven't tried to troubleshoot yet, since I can still get in, but would like to get it fixed.

 

[Teck]

Here is a thread on grounding the back glass motor.
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227602
As for the switch I looked for about 2 months this summer for a new 1, Nobody has them any more that I could find. Also check the saftey switch on the driver side latchon the tailgate, they are known for the wires corroding and not working.

 

[K5Cobb]

My key switch quit making contact, I took it apart and cleaned the terminals (which i would not suggest unless you are really good at reassembly of small electrical components) which got it to work for a few more months, but mine has finally gave up and I am looking for a new one now. So far rockauto.com and local auto stores are showing no hope on a new contact switch.

 

[rjfguitar]

I for some reason lost power for going up with the window. Mine will go down, but nothing for going up. I am getting power through my dash switch also. Looks like I better check this safety switch.

 

[K5Cobb]

Yes, the safety switch is where I would start on that problem. Mine wont go up if the tail gate isn't completely closed, but it will still go down. If your not familiar where it is located, it is inside the top of the tail gate on the drivers side, and I think you can get it out with the four screws that hold the latch in. I will have to look at mine to refresh my memory 100% hope this helps

 

[Fordum]

Does anybody have any pics of this darn switch? I keep hearing about problems with the key switch, but have never seen one.

I assume it is built into the lock cylinder in some way. If it was a separate switch actuated by a cam on the end of the lock it would be simple.

But, I have run into lots of oddball switch setups over the years, and I might have seen something that would replace this or repair it.
If I knew what it looked like.

Of course, a key switch to open and close the glass from the outside would be simple to find if you didn't mind using a different key and mounting it somewhere else.

Heck, if you wanted cool, you could use a weatherproof keypad mounted to one side....

 

[K5Cobb]

when I pull mine back down I will take a few pics of it. But it is basically a single pole, double throw switch (one power and two control wires) but it is integrated into the cylinder. you can buy a cylinder on lmc, but I have not found the contact tirminal part anywhere yet.

As far as adapting something, I have been playing with micro switches and relays because there isnt much room between the glass lift and cylinder. If I had to guess, i would say a quarter inch or less of free room. I rigged up a wireless remote until i fixed the key