red97tj
07-31-2007, 08:05 PM
Ok there seems to be some questions as to where the micro switch is on the coupes/verts for '95 & newer vehicles.
1st off, the micro switch is what activates the interior entry lights & also the window drop down feature (also known as the window goes down a bit when you open the door & up when you close it).
The micro switch is part of the door striker which is on the body side. Here's the pic w/ explanations:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p8a59450a36e4c813987a3ea79aa21b5f/e851729b.jpg
The door latch is what deactivates the micro switch:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/I%20believe%20the%20%2794%20&%20older%20vehicles%20have%20the%20micro%20switch% 20on%20the%20door%20latch%20itself.%20Here%27s%20t he%20website%20to%20help%20w/%20that:http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pcc21a1f279ca12d195fe2e79b49643dc/e85172a2.jpg
So over time the micro switch is worn down from repeated door closing, the micro switch doesn't get pushed in anymore which won't activate the window drop down feature along w/ turn off the interior lights automatically. You should 1st check it by opening the door & push it in by hand. If you push it in & the window drops down, then that means the switch is worn out.
As a quick fix, you can wrap electrical tape around the micro switch to add material thickness again around the switch so the latch can make contact to it.
Best bet is to change it out.
The electrical connection is in the quarter panel area (2 small black wires & the black connector is pretty small...about 1/2" wide & 1/8 thick). Just take the speaker panel off & you should be able to fish around for it.
BUT BEFORE YOU CHANGE THE STRIKER, I RECOMMEND THAT YOU MARK THE STRIKER POSITION ON THE BODY W/ A PEN SO YOU CAN REALIGN THE NEW STRIKER A LOT EASIER!!!
Remove the 2 bolts on the striker. It's not that hard to pull the old striker wiring out. But it's a PITA to reroute the new electrical wires since there's not much room to put your hand inside the quarter panel area to pull the wiring back in. Just be patient & you'll be alright.
After reinstalling the striker make sure to close the door to see if the door alignment is still good or you need to make adjustments slightly due to the new striker not being exactly the same as the old one (manufacturing tolerances).
That should be it unless you have other issues.
I believe the '94 & older vehicles have the micro switch on the door latch itself. Here's the website to help w/ that:
http://home.earthlink.net/~frankie66/cars/diy/E36_doormicroswitch.html (http://home.earthlink.net/%7Efrankie66/cars/diy/E36_doormicroswitch.html)
Good luck!!!
1st off, the micro switch is what activates the interior entry lights & also the window drop down feature (also known as the window goes down a bit when you open the door & up when you close it).
The micro switch is part of the door striker which is on the body side. Here's the pic w/ explanations:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p8a59450a36e4c813987a3ea79aa21b5f/e851729b.jpg
The door latch is what deactivates the micro switch:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/I%20believe%20the%20%2794%20&%20older%20vehicles%20have%20the%20micro%20switch% 20on%20the%20door%20latch%20itself.%20Here%27s%20t he%20website%20to%20help%20w/%20that:http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pcc21a1f279ca12d195fe2e79b49643dc/e85172a2.jpg
So over time the micro switch is worn down from repeated door closing, the micro switch doesn't get pushed in anymore which won't activate the window drop down feature along w/ turn off the interior lights automatically. You should 1st check it by opening the door & push it in by hand. If you push it in & the window drops down, then that means the switch is worn out.
As a quick fix, you can wrap electrical tape around the micro switch to add material thickness again around the switch so the latch can make contact to it.
Best bet is to change it out.
The electrical connection is in the quarter panel area (2 small black wires & the black connector is pretty small...about 1/2" wide & 1/8 thick). Just take the speaker panel off & you should be able to fish around for it.
BUT BEFORE YOU CHANGE THE STRIKER, I RECOMMEND THAT YOU MARK THE STRIKER POSITION ON THE BODY W/ A PEN SO YOU CAN REALIGN THE NEW STRIKER A LOT EASIER!!!
Remove the 2 bolts on the striker. It's not that hard to pull the old striker wiring out. But it's a PITA to reroute the new electrical wires since there's not much room to put your hand inside the quarter panel area to pull the wiring back in. Just be patient & you'll be alright.
After reinstalling the striker make sure to close the door to see if the door alignment is still good or you need to make adjustments slightly due to the new striker not being exactly the same as the old one (manufacturing tolerances).
That should be it unless you have other issues.
I believe the '94 & older vehicles have the micro switch on the door latch itself. Here's the website to help w/ that:
http://home.earthlink.net/~frankie66/cars/diy/E36_doormicroswitch.html (http://home.earthlink.net/%7Efrankie66/cars/diy/E36_doormicroswitch.html)
Good luck!!!