are the switches in the drivers armrest for the electric windows separate to remove and replace or has the whole panel with all 4 windows and locking switch got to be changed, the one that controls the front passenger side window seems to work only now and again but the window works correctly when operated from the passenger door switch.
even on ebay the whole panel was over Ã,£90 but a single switch was Ã,£12
I've found it easy to take out the window switches without taking off the door card. In my experience, the switches can be easily fixed by giving the contacts a sanding. Make sure not to take the top part if the switch off as the little springs can ping out and away. I also found that the small brass contacts sometimes lose their springiness and this can be remedied by a slight rebending of the spring part with pointy pliers.
Unfortunately alexk, the Mk2 switches don't have the copper contact plates and instead use microswitches within the main switch. The drivers door contains one "control assembly" which is a lump with all 4 windows and the central locking switches in it.
If you prise off the rocker (as above be careful not to loose the spring or the ball bearing) you'll then see the tops of the microswitches - its been known for the plastic that actuates these (on the underside of the rocker) to break so you might need to glue it back together.
so that is a yes is it to the question that they are all part of one unit and can't be replaced separately, so i need to attempt to prise the top off the offending switch and see whats in there ?
Sorry its one big unit:
[attachimg=1]
Remove it from the door panel and then pop the cap - hopefully, you can see what the issue it then and if its making the contact correctly.
Couldn't it still be the wiring in the drivers or passengers door gaitor?
yes will have to check the wiring, as it was working from the pass door switch i presumed that would be ok. so the fault would due in the drivers door wire or the switch itself
Could still be in the passenger door gaitor as the signal still has to get from the switch to the windows. Though drivers is more likely as that gets stressed every time the car is used.
have checked the wiring in both front doors and seems ok no breaks so looking at the photo Mirez posted, does the top just prise off and reveal a microswitch, is there some little spring or balls in there that no doubt will pop out and fly away ?