If your car has power windows, there will likely come a time when the window will not respond the way it used to when pressing the button. If the window suddenly stops moving, the problem could be as simple as a blown fuse or a loose connection. Also, you probably have a faulty switch, especially if the window operates randomly. Sometimes the window motors turn off. Usually this is characterized by a gradual decrease in the response of the window to the switch. However, a slowly moving window could also have the seals stuck. Once you can identify the problem, you can fix it with some basic tools.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Change a Fuse
Step 1. Locate and open the fuse box
This item should be located inside the car as part of or near the instrument panel.
Step 2. Check your owner's manual to locate the window operation section
It is not uncommon for the only thing wrong with electrical components in a vehicle is a blown fuse. If this is the case with your windows, you should replace that fuse.
Step 3. Remove the fuse from its holder
Be careful not to twist or force it. You should avoid damaging the mount or leaving a broken piece of fuse inside. There are fuse clips available at auto parts stores that can help you with this procedure.
Step 4. Locate a replacement fuse
This should be rated for the same amperage of the original fuse that operated the window mechanism. The amperage rating should be printed on the fuse and should also appear in the owner's manual. Avoid using a fuse with a higher amperage rating, as this can damage the electrical components in your vehicle.
Step 5. Press the new fuse down into the holder
The fuse must be “locked in”, which means it must not move or wobble.
Step 6. Turn the car key to the "on" position
In this way, you supply electricity to the windows so that you can test them. You don't need to start the car.
Step 7. Test the windows
Verify that they go up and down without any restriction.
Method 2 of 5: Repair Window Gaskets
Step 1. Evaluate the condition of the gaskets and window seals
The objective is that the gaskets and seals are in good condition, since they are responsible for preventing rain from entering, forming an airtight limit when raising the windows. In addition, they serve to isolate the interior of the vehicle from road noise.
Step 2. Check the entire gasket channel for foreign objects
Any obstruction of the channel can prevent the window from raising or lowering properly. Before continuing, you must remove any object (such as pebbles or leaves).
Step 3. Clean the gasket with acetone
This substance will help remove any build-up of grease or dirt that may hinder or prevent the joints from sealing properly.
Be very careful not to apply acetone to car paint or carpets. It is better to apply a small amount to a cleaning cloth than to pour the acetone directly onto the joint
Step 4. Repair all small tears
You can use an elastic adhesive or glue for this step. Make sure to trim loose corners with a razor blade to get a good seal.
Step 5. Replace the gasket
This procedure may be necessary if the original gasket has large tears or several small tears. Gasket replacement is a fairly straightforward procedure.
- You must slide a panel removal tool between the window and the gasket.
- Hook the tool under the board and pull it up.
- After you remove the old gasket, you should install the replacement gasket by fitting it in the same place as the original and pressing it down firmly.
Step 6. Lubricate the canal with silicone spray
This will help the window slide smoothly along the channel.
Step 7. Retest the window
The window should move up and down without restriction or delay if the problem has already been fixed.
Method 3 of 5: Troubleshoot Cabling Problems
Step 1. Find an electrical diagram of the vehicle
You can find this item in your owner's manual or online.
Step 2. Follow the wiring from the fuse panel to the switch
You can refer to the electrical diagram for help. The goal is to make sure there are no breaks in the connection from the fuse box to the breaker. If you can't find a diagram, you may find it easier to follow the wiring from the switch to the fuse box to detect any cracks in the connection.
Step 3. Use a multimeter to confirm that the switch is receiving 12 volts of power
Connect the multimeter leads to the point where the electrical leads enter the switch and set it to volts DC. The device should read 12 volts.
Step 4. Follow the wiring from the switch to the motor
This is the path a signal travels to move the window when the switch is pressed. Any cracks or loose connections in this path will prevent the motor from working properly.
Step 5. Use the multimeter to confirm that the motor is receiving 12 volts of power
Connect the multimeter leads to the point where the electrical leads enter the motor. Again, you need to set it to DC volts to read 12 volts.
Step 6. Detect any interrupted voltage caused by a loose or oxidized connector
If you detect loose or rusty connections in the circuit, these items will interrupt the signal and cause the window to malfunction.
Step 7. Repair the connector or rusted areas
Press down on the connectors or wire harnesses firmly and clean the corrosion with a wire brush or similar tool.
Step 8. Test the window again
If the problem was located in the circuit and is now fixed, then the window will move freely up and down without restriction or delay.
Method 4 of 5: Replace a faulty switch
Step 1. Locate the window switch panel
This is the button used to operate the window. It is almost always located on the door, although it is rarely located on the central glove compartment.
Step 2. Remove the switch panel from the window
You must be careful not to scratch the door panel when removing this switch, as it often requires you to lift it up with a pry bar. Using a rag or piece of cardboard under the lever can help.
Step 3. Unplug the switch wiring connectors
You should test these connectors to make sure they provide the proper 12 volts to the switch.
Step 4. Use the multimeter to trace each connector
Set the multimeter to volts DC and place its leads in the connector. The device should read 12 volts.
Step 5. Check the wiring on any switch that shows a low voltage reading
Tighten loose connections and clear corrosion.
Step 6. Try another switch
Take the switch from another door and plug it into the connectors on the malfunctioning door. If you can operate the window with this switch, then it means that the original is damaged and you must replace it.
Step 7. Buy a new switch
Contact your preferred dealer or auto parts store to get a new window switch.
Step 8. Install the new switch
You need to put the connectors on the switch and reconnect it on the door panel.
Method 5 of 5: Replace the Window Motor or Regulator
Step 1. Remove the door panel
This procedure may vary from car to car, but generally you have to remove a few screws around the center of the panel (for example, the handrail on the inside of the door) and then use a pry bar around the outside to remove the clips. on the perimeter. Sometimes you may need to remove things like weatherstripping or trim.
Step 2. Use the multimeter to make sure the motor is getting the correct voltage
Connect the multimeter sensors to the motor socket and toggle the switch up and down. Record the voltage in both directions. Your owner's manual should list the specific voltage required.
Step 3. Make sure the window moves freely during this test
There should be no slow spots or obstructions.
Step 4. Unplug the motor
If the motor gets the proper voltage, but is not working properly, you may need to replace it. Start by unplugging the wiring connectors from the motor.
If the motor is working properly, but the window is unresponsive, you may need to replace the regulator
Step 5. Remove the bolts holding the regulator to the glass
The regulator is the lift assembly that moves the window up and down. You must move the window up and down to align these bolts with a hole on the inside of the door. You can use an extension on a ratchet to drive through the hole with a socket wrench (about 8-10mm) and loosen both bolts.
Step 6. Press the window up
Use your hands to push the window up and then tape it down or remove it completely from the door.
Step 7. Unplug the window motor wiring harness
You will need to press down on the clip that holds the harness in place and pull the harness out. These items can be difficult to press and sometimes it's best if you can get a screwdriver to press it.
Step 8. Unscrew the harness or motor from inside the door
You must remove all the bolts that hold the harness and motor.
These items can often be difficult to remove. You may need to use a ratchet with a long extension to provide the necessary angle to access and turn the bolts
Step 9. Remove the motor and harness as an assembly
Once you have removed this assembly, you can separate both parts and replace the one that is not working properly.
Step 10. Reinstall the motor and governor assembly
Once you've replaced the faulty part (either the motor or the regulator) it's time to slide the assembly back inside the door and screw it back into its original position.
Step 11. Plug in the new motor
Connect the wiring harness to the window motor. This procedure helps the motor receive electricity, so you must be careful.
Step 12. Lower the window to its correct position on the wiring harness
Remove the tape or reinstall the window. Make sure the tabs on the bottom of the window are lined up correctly to screw it back onto the regulator.
Step 13. Screw the window onto the regulator
Use the bolts and the same extension that you removed earlier to screw the window onto the regulator.
Step 14. Test the window
At this point, the window should move up and down freely when the switch is pressed.