Power Windows Not Working, Off Track - "How To" Car Repair Tips

Power Windows Not Working, Off Track - "How To" Car Repair Tips

The most common cause is a bad powerwindow's motor, the switch could be faulty or theregulator could be binding or the cable could be off one of thepulleys. Rarely,windowsmayjust be STUCK in the weather stripping (called a run) and need tobe freed up and the guides lubricated withsilicone spray.As a master auto technician, I've repaired literally hundreds of power windows in nearly all makes of cars over the years. In this how to article I'll let you in onsomethings to look forwhen diagnosing power windows not working.Ninety percent of the time,thesetype of problems can be diagnosed in less than sixty seconds!

Stops Working

If the glassmoves a few inches and stops, then themotor is allowed time to cool down andwill again move a few inches; the powermotor will need to be replaced. If there is no sound coming from the motor, it may not be getting power or the motoritself may have an open circuit. Checking for power to the window's motor normally requires removing the door panel to access the wiring. After access to the power window wiring is gained, a test light or meter can be used to see if it is getting power and ground. I've learned over the years a short cut thatsavesthe hassle of removing the door panel for testing the motor.Most of the time when checkingthis problem, just turnthe headlights and interior lights on; look for a slight dimming of the interior or dash lights when the power window switch ispushed. If a slight flicker or dimming of the interior lights occur, this indicates that theswitch is functional and the motor is bad. Try this with one of the power windows that is working to gaugethe affecton the interiorlights. If thereis no change in the brightness of the interior lights when trying this with the inoperative window, theswitch couldbe bad.

Appears to Be Off track or is Binding

Windows don't normally just go off track (the regulator fails causing it to move out ofthe normal position). If the window appears to be off track,theregulator has most likely failed.Window regulators either use metal gears (which rarely fail) or they use a cable and plastic pulley design - which commonly fail.If the window has fallen,the regulator will most likely need to be replaced.If the glass is cocked unevenly and is binding, theregulator has most likely came apart. Themotor will be heard when pushing theswitch in many cases but the window won't work correctly due to the failedregulator.

DIYTips to Try

Sometimeselectric contacts in the window switch can be worn, corroded or dirty. Try pushing theswitch with your finger hard and deliberately - if the window starts to work, the switch is the problem and will most likely need to be replaced.

After accessing themotor, try tapping on itwith an object (like a small wrench or a 3/8" extension)- if it temporarily works, the window motor will need to be replaced.

The repair tips I've shared here will NOT be found in any manual, but sometimes it is necessary to find specific auto repair manual information for certain procedures. Other times it's great to find an auto repair blog for specific repairs with pictures for free.

POST COMMENT

Speed Up Windows XP - How to Make Windows Run Faster With Only Three Tips Milwaukee Computer Repair: Bag The Benefits Speed Up Windows Vista - How to Make Windows Vista Run Faster Appliance Repair Providers - Two Ideas to Enable You Decide upon a Superior Corporation After Hair surgery Care In Hair Repair Surgical treatment Windows Restore Fake Antispyware. How to Get Rid of It? Bad Credit Report Repair - Quick and Easy Methods of Repairing a Bad Credit Report Repair Bad Credit - Apply These Simple Credit Repair Techniques Bad Credit Repair - How to Increase Your FICO Score and Regain Financial Leverage Repair Bad Credit - Simple Strategies to Raise Credit Score and Regain Financial Power Getting a Roofing Company for a New Roof or Repair Roofing and Siding Home Repairs Speed up computer with a registry cleaner