Replacement window switches - that are DIFFERENT ??

[LOSTSOS]

Maybe a reach, but there is a developer kit for Alexa auto that could possibly allow you to use voice commands. BMW has something similar with a few limitations but the concept would certainly solve your issue.
I feel certain that there is an Alexa or Siri controlled 12v relay out there somewhere.

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[Gatorized]

Couldn’t a simple hook or lever be used for leverage for her? Seems like something could be 3D printed into the rough shape, sanded or filed into exact fitment and 3M taped into position?

The lever might be the way to go , but it doesn’t have to be permanently attached. Window switches are not something you need to be manipulating like a stick shift. Put the window up or down and it’s going to stay that way for a bit. You just need something that can be an extension for your wife to easily reach the switch and then pull it up or pussh it down. only you and your wife know just how long that needs to be. I’m thinking as an example the panel removal tools that have a hook on one end and a grip handle on the other . Most are not very long but it gets you an idea if the concept will work.

 

[Gren71]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1240912440/

Maybe this?

 

[chorky]

These guys could be a source of cheap parts as well. I see them post daily on trashed jeep stuff. Engines, trans, sensors, axles you name it they have it. Half doors, hard tops, winches bumpers all of it. For cheap too. Im hoping to get a good 4.0 and 6 spd with transfer for my TJ to modify From them.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The lever might be the way to go , but it doesn’t have to be permanently attached. Window switches are not something you need to be manipulating like a stick shift. Put the window up or down and it’s going to stay that way for a bit. You just need something that can be an extension for your wife to easily reach the switch and then pull it up or pussh it down. only you and your wife know just how long that needs to be. I’m thinking as an example the panel removal tools that have a hook on one end and a grip handle on the other . Most are not very long but it gets you an idea if the concept will work.

Sorry, that's even worse. Cumbersome, has to be picked up so must be handy at all times, and - like I said, she's got no real grip strength in that hand. To pick up a tool and aim it at a small switch and then pull that switch up would be nearly impossible. (even for me, frankly)
Permanent is the only solution - not a tool to pick up and aim, especially while driving and having to look down to see what you are trying to hook and pull up.
That's one of the problems with these switches - pushing, poking them isn't that bad. You push, let go and the window goes down. But to pull the switch up, that's different.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1240912440/

Maybe this?

That is for those who have no power windows at all........ like a basic Sport.
A person would need to rig in the window lock switch and find the wiring diagram for the stock switches and wire new switches to match.
With the right wiring harness and diagram, or schematic of the switches and how they are wired, a person could make their own panel.
More complex than something already made with other switches, but with the right information and the wiring harness to make it simply plug into the factory dash harness, it's one possible way.

These guys could be a source of cheap parts as well. I see them post daily on trashed jeep stuff. Engines, trans, sensors, axles you name it they have it. Half doors, hard tops, winches bumpers all of it. For cheap too. Im hoping to get a good 4.0 and 6 spd with transfer for my TJ to modify From them.

I may see what they have in stock JL switch panels and wiring.....
I have a 4.0 here but not a 6 speed. It's got an automatic for a 2 wheel drive car behind it. I have enough stuff to put something together with automatic, I bet.
It was a good 4.0. I bought a 1980 Concord a friend had put a 4.0 into - was wanting the engine for a 1980 Eagle wagon project but got so many projects I sold the Eagle wagon and haven't yet taken the 4.0 out of the Concord. It was my friend's daily driver for a long time.
Complete with PCM and PDC.
With only a few simple differences, the 4.0 bolts in where a 258 was.

 

[The Welsh Griffin]

How about placing a foot switch on her side of the tranny tunnel, splicing it into the wiring for her window only . Less fuss (KISS)

 

[4-Play]

 

[Animal]

Would something like 3W Liners control module help? May be worth contacting them to see if they could customize functions.

https://3wliners.com/products/jeep-...ll-four-doors-2018-2021-window-control-module

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Now we're just getting silly.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Would something like 3W Liners control module help? May be worth contacting them to see if they could customize functions.

https://3wliners.com/products/jeep-...ll-four-doors-2018-2021-window-control-module

Like said earlier in this thread - I already have that module.

The issue is the switches themselves.
Short, push/pull function, very strong springs.

Not sure what could be customized since the issue is how hard the switch is to operate.

So what I'm looking for is a way to modify the switch - making it a lot easier to "pull" (lifting would be better than pulling - these are a push down or pull up to operate) It's hard to get her fingers under the switch to pull up on it. Strong spring resistance, very short handle or lever on the switch.

So it's the switch itself that needs to be changed out or modified in some way making it a lot easier to operate. At least with the module she won't have to lean clear forward and keep a finger under the switch and hold it up to get a window up.

This is from about 1987 - every picture we have, she keeps or tries to keep her right arm hidden.

 

[IamPro2A]

So, like I said, I'm no CAD guy, but this was my idea. 3D print something like this, and attach to the face and bottom of switches with strong 3M double sided tape. Maybe use modeling clay to get the exact shape of the bottom and face so you dont need to buy/sacrifice a junkyard one.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

So, like I said, I'm no CAD guy, but this was my idea. 3D print something like this, and attach to the face and bottom of switches with strong 3M double sided tape. Maybe use modeling clay to get the exact shape of the bottom and face so you dont need to buy/sacrifice a junkyard one.

Yes - and do it in purple.
The only "gotchas" may be - (see image below):

The switches are lighted. They are translucent with a black rubbery coating covering all buy a slit for the light.
The rubbery covering peels off, meaning you'd need to ensure however you adhered the new "handles" to the switches hit as much of that surface as possible or it would peel away.

Did some looking at pics of used switches on the internet. Even those from 2 year old Jeeps showed nasty peeling of the black coating on the switch levers.

Your idea has merit, IMO. It appears to do two things I'd look for in replacement switches (like I was originally looking for) -
It extends the lever, giving you more leverage over the high-rate spring in the switch
It moves the motion from push/pull to up/down which should be easier to get a small, weak finger under.

I'm not sure people understand the handicap. I've only met one other person with a similar thing although a couple of the kids on the Shriners hospital commercials have something similar.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I don't have any suggestions to add but I do understand the handicap. A previous girlfriend of mine (now just a car friend of mine) has an atrophied left arm and a fused left wrist. Her hand is basically useless on that side save for using her arm to hold a purse or a jacket. She can't even independently move those fingers. Hides it in most of her photos. On her right hand her index finger and thumb are also partially amputated.

Anyway, she has the strength to to pull switches but the dexterity is an issue often, plus having to reach the driver door with her right hand (Camaro SS) to use any door controls.

I did a whole lot of opening jars, buckling shoes, and hooking bottom straps on race helmets with her around

Hope ya find a good workaround. Playing with springs or 3D printing some levers look like the best routes.

 

[4-Play]

Now we're just getting silly.

Yeah, I tried it. Didn’t work. Maybe with some double sided tape and bending. Just tried to keep it simple and cheap ?

 

[IamPro2A]

Yes - and do it in purple.
The only "gotchas" may be - (see image below):

The switches are lighted. They are translucent with a black rubbery coating covering all buy a slit for the light.
The rubbery covering peels off, meaning you'd need to ensure however you adhered the new "handles" to the switches hit as much of that surface as possible or it would peel away.

Did some looking at pics of used switches on the internet. Even those from 2 year old Jeeps showed nasty peeling of the black coating on the switch levers.

I'm not sure if it's possible (or at least economical) to 3D print in translucent purple. However, it might be possible to mold in or drill out for a small light pipe to transfer the light to the end of the new switch cover if you really need to retain the switch lighting. Or maybe just a small hooded/shrouded led in the dash above the light switch would be just enough light to find them in the dark.

As for the rubberized coating, maybe the best bet if you go this route is just buy a switch panel that is already worn and just peel ALL the rubber coating off, and mount the covers to that. If you trade it in, swap back to the nice barely used original switches.

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