So my power windows have stopped working...

Topic: So my power windows have stopped working... (Read 2169 times) previous topic - next topic

So my power windows have stopped working...

September 21, 2012, 08:03:36 PM

The window on the passenger side went out a few days back and now the driver's side window is not functioning, and worse... it's all the way down.

Any ideas? I'm hoping it's just a fuse but I don't know which fuse(s) it might be.

If it's one thing I don't like about these cars, it's the power doodads. For this reason.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #1 – September 22, 2012, 12:52:43 PM

I checked all the fuses. It's not a fuse.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #2 – September 22, 2012, 07:13:26 PM

Do the lights dim when you hit the switch?

The motors can seize, the ignition switch can be bad, the window switch, or a wire can go bad.

See if you have power at the switch.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #3 – September 22, 2012, 08:34:38 PM

Does it still make the turning sound when you hit the switch, but sound like it's slipping? If so, the drive gear bushings need replaced. $3 on ebay.

Does it only make a clicking sound when you hit the switch? If so, the motors brushes are most likely bound up with Carbon. Sometimes you can hit the motor body with a hammer and it will knock it back loose, and then it will work again for awhile. Sometimes you have to take the motor apart and clean the brushes. Or, of course, you can always buy a new one for around $60. I would rebuild the stock Ford piece though if you are able, as the aftermarket china junk PW motors parts stores sell now fail quite often. A good rebuild on a stock unit will last you a long time.

Other than those things, it will have to be either in the Switch or the Wiring itself. Not very likely to be the wiring, so I would check the switch first.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #4 – September 22, 2012, 09:34:14 PM

When I hit the lights, they work just fine. But my power locks have also stopped working.

When I try to operate the power windows... nothing happens. Absolutely nothing. No whirring, clicking, or whining. No odd noises, well, no noises at all, of any sort. Just, nothing.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #5 – September 22, 2012, 09:42:16 PM

I'm guessing electrical.

Verify power at the switch, then work your way backwards from there.

If there's no power, it should be a reletively easy fix.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #6 – September 22, 2012, 09:43:57 PM

I took a quick look at the wiring up around the fuse box. They look remarkably good for being a 27 year old car. Everything looks nice & clean and feels tight. Maybe it is the switch. Is there an easy way to get around that so I can at least get my window back up?

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #7 – September 22, 2012, 10:03:30 PM

jump the pins in the switch

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #8 – September 22, 2012, 10:17:06 PM

Be careful when jumping pins!!!! Remember the motor reverses the battery and ground to change directions. You will have to power the motor at its connection point. Unless you know the colors at the switch. sounds like the motors are NG. But 2 of them a week apart ??? Possible but unlikely. Stranger things have happened. For a quick test key the ignition and watch the dome light. Hit the window switch and see if the dome light dims a bit. If it does the motors are JAMMED but may still be good. I have in some cases took apart the motors and jumped the internal circuit breakers. They have them inside the motors on several cars. Especially GM&FORD!!

Power locks have 2 separate fuses and relays. One for unlock and lock. Fuses are 8 & 12. I would recommend checking these fuses and circuits for blown fuses or opens in the wires. Their are also 2 relays as posted above Good Luck!!!

:hick::burnout:

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #9 – September 22, 2012, 10:29:41 PM

Wire colors to motor

Right Door R/Y Y/R

Left Door R & Y

Fuse 14 20A feeds both motors so it seems like you may have 2 troubles.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #10 – September 22, 2012, 10:37:53 PM

I checked ALL the fuses earlier this afternoon and they all looked good.

I just came back inside. I took apart the center console and unscrewed the housing for the power window switches and wiggled the wires hoping I'd get lucky.

And I did get lucky.

The driver's side window will function now. The passenger side window still won't function but at least it is stuck closed.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #11 – September 22, 2012, 10:39:26 PM

Seems like too much thinking is happening here. K.I.S.S. Pull the door panel, hook a headlamp bulb up to the window motor wiring, and hit the switch. you're looking for the bulb to light exactly the same way both up and down. If not at all, check power at the switch (this may lead you into wiring diagnosis), if only one way or the other replace the switch, if it lights both ways, replace the window motor. Both motors in a week is unusual, but not unheard of. They're possibly the same age, so a double failure would be an example of good quality control (lol, jk) Odds are you're going to find a problem other than the motors. I think I have a schematic of the switch connector if you end up poking around with it. I spent a lot of time with my power windows switch recently, but it was a matter of choice. Tom's right about jumper wires, don't do it without fused jumpers and a diagram. I'd hate to read about you burning your car to the ground.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #12 – September 22, 2012, 11:51:46 PM

That will only be a temporary fix. You need to pull the switch apart, and clean the contacts of the corrosion/lint mix that gets in there over time. That is what's causing the issue. The electrical brushes in your PS motor are most likely jammed up with carbon. Pull the motor out, remove and clean the brushes, and then re-install. It should function as good as new, and it costs nothing but your time to do it.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #13 – September 23, 2012, 12:26:14 AM

Yeah I know it's not really a fix. I'm just glad I got my window back up.

So my power windows have stopped working...

Reply #14 – September 23, 2012, 09:48:39 AM

Like i said you had 2 issues. Most likely the other issue is a motor one. Remember the circuit brakers are in the motors. That is normally the issue as they have a tendency to burn and get dirty. I jump them OUT!!!

Previous post

Fuse 14 20A feeds both motors so it seems like you may have 2 troubles

Those window switches go bad a lot. Bad connections and burnt contacts ETC. You can clean the contacts as previously posted. But you also have to make sure then the switch is in it 's activation mode the contacts have enough pressure on them. When the contacts wear thin you need to compensate for some extra travel with he contacts. This is easily dun by slightly bending the contacts or removing some plastic from the area that restricts it's travel. It depends on the design of the switch so you will have to use your judgement. Good Luck