Power Window Problem

Topic: Power Window Problem (Read 2698 times) previous topic - next topic

Power Window Problem

July 06, 2005, 09:09:05 AM

Lately my drivers side window has been working intermittently. I push the button for it to go and it just suddenly stops, and after pushing the button up and down again a few times, it usually works. Other times I just give it a sec and then try again and it works. Worn out motor I suppose? If anyone has one I guess I'm gonna need it.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #1 – July 06, 2005, 09:17:46 AM

Switches in the center console?
How many Slurpees have you spilled on them?

If the window is binding in misaligned tracks, it could overload the circuit breaker, and need a few seconds (or minutes) to reset.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #2 – July 06, 2005, 09:42:24 AM

Hmmm.. interesting. Well the switch should be in good condition. I have always noticed that the window does slow down for a sec just before it reaches the top. Maybe now its just getting worse/and or tired due to the tracks?

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #3 – July 06, 2005, 03:50:47 PM

I'm gonna guess that your switch is gummed up. I've had this happen before. I ordered a new switch from Ford...think it cost like 10 bux.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #4 – July 06, 2005, 04:10:28 PM

My passenger side window has the same symptoms. I think it's the switch. It looks like the previous owner enjoyed dumping sugary concoctions on the console.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #5 – July 06, 2005, 06:12:55 PM

I,m gonna go with your original thought of the motor being worn.
Have had similar problems with many different cars.
Quick way to check is pull the connector to the motor and use a test light and see if your getting power every time the switch is pressed.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #6 – July 06, 2005, 06:21:15 PM

I'm just about positive its not the switch now because anytime I push the switch, the digital gauges dim just a tad, which shows me the switch is using power. It still does that even when the window won't move. I'm guessing maybe the tracks are messed up because if it were the motor, would it even work at all? Also occasionally when it finally does work, you can hear a quick whirring nose, but not always.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #7 – July 06, 2005, 09:57:54 PM

Matt,

I'll go out on a limb and say--for the age of this Ford, It is likely the window motor gearbox. Ford uses a nylon type gear with 3 plastic dowels driven by the electric motor. This drives the metal regulator gear you see inside the door. Once worn, the window mechanism strains to operate and may in fact do what you say it is doing. I have replaced 3 of these window motor gears in an '89 Ford sedan here, and I have to believe the late '80s TBirds have the same set up. You would have to remove the window motor and open the gearbox attached to it. You will right then see the fractured dowels which help drive the gear, and less likely to be obvious will be the worn nylon gear itself. The overhaul kits are available for less than $20.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #8 – July 07, 2005, 10:59:03 AM

Wouldn't he still be able to hear the motor turning if the nylon gears were bad? It sounds like everything completely stops, which may mean the motor itself is going on him. If the window was binding in the track then someone could help it up and it would still go. But if the motor is just quitting altogether it sounds like it needs replacement.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #9 – July 07, 2005, 11:13:56 AM

Here's an old trick I learnt from the glass shop....

Remove the door panel, then find the wires going to the window motor. About a foot or two from the motor, skin back the wires a bit, and apply a full 12v from a battery, or from a battery charger. Doesn't matter about positive/negative; you should hear the motor working in either direction. Then reverse the positive/negative. If the motor is working correctly from a full 12v applied directly, then it is definitely a sign of a worn internal mechanism and needs rebuilt/replaced. You should also be able to figure out if there is a "flat spot" in the mechanism using this method.

Obviously, be careful if you do this. But it will definitely help determine what's going on. In my almost 20 years of experience with these window motors, I am fully confident your problem is not the switch or wiring, but the motor itself. Everyone else's advice is very good.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #10 – August 08, 2005, 12:06:22 PM

Now its getting to the point to where it stops, and it gets stuck. And I mean stuck as in won't move at all. You have to really give it your all and then try the switch again and eventually it will finally go. I got a thread in the parts wanted section for a new power window motor section if anyone has one...

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #11 – August 08, 2005, 12:42:13 PM

yeah same thing here and it was those three little nylon spacers. Pulled one out of an old window motor and then brought it back to the junk yard for a full refund saying that it didnt fit.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #12 – August 11, 2005, 10:50:35 AM

Ditto........JKATHRE
I've done both of mine on my '84
I got the round dowel thingie kits on Ebay from some guy in Georgia for like $5 a kit

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #13 – August 12, 2005, 01:08:39 AM

Yea those plastic gears wear down fast. Already replaced mine. Paid a body shop to do it. Yeah real cool for them to order a new motor and charge me 175 frickin dollars. Assholes.

Re: Power Window Problem

Reply #14 – August 12, 2005, 01:06:42 PM

Quote from: EricCoolCats

. But it will definitely help determine what's going on. In my almost 20 years of experience with these window motors...

You don't have to wave it around Eric, we all know it's huge.

It could also be binding from the little doohicky the holds the glass in the track. Those fail alot too. Does your windows seem to "tilt" any when it stops? If you give a little pull on the front or rear of the window is it loose? You might also try waxing your window to decrease the friction from the felt/rubber strip at the top of the door..

Squid