In case your car is equipped with electric (powered) windows, there may come a time when you push the button and the window doesn’t respond the way it used to or suddenly stops moving at all. The issue could be as simple as a blown fuse or a loose connection. It may also be a faulty switch especially if the window works on a hit and miss basis. On the other hand, window motors go down sometimes as well but a slow window could also be getting stuck on the gaskets. So, once you identify the problem, you may be able to repair the window using some basic tools and steps provides below.
STEP-1: How To Change A Fuse:
-Find & open the fuse box: The fuse should be located inside the car as a part of or near the dash.
-Check the owner’s manual to know how the window operates: Reading the user-manual will help you know the different electrical components of a window and this will allow you to easily locate any devices that may get faulty and require replacement.
-Pull the fuse out of its cradle: Do this gently so that you don’t damage the cradle or break a piece of the fuse off in the cradle. You can get fuse tongs available at part supply stores that can help with this.
-Locate the replacement fuse: Make sure the replacement fuse is rated with the same amperage as the original fuse that operated the window mechanism. The amp rating should be printed on the fuse and it should also be listed in your owner’s manual. Do not use a fuse with a higher amp rating because this may damage the electrical components of your vehicle.
-Push the new fuse straight down into the cradle: Make sure the fuse does not move or wobble after installation for best results.
-Turn your car on and test the windows: Turning-on the car will provides power to your windows and allows you to test them.
STEP-2: How To Repair Window Gaskets:
-Evaluate the condition of window seals & gaskets: These are responsible for keeping rain out by forming a water tight boundary when your window is rolled up. They also help to insulate the inside of the vehicle from road noise.
-Analyze the entire gasket channel for any foreign objects: Any obstruction of the channel may prevent the window from rising or declining properly. So, consider removing any objects such as pebbles or leaves before proceeding.
-Clean the gasket with acetone: This will help to remove any grease or dirt build up that might prevent your window & gaskets from sealing properly. Be very careful not to get any acetone on your car’s paint or carpets.
-Repair any small tears on the gaskets: You can do this using a rubber adhesive or glue. Remember to trim-off any loose corners with a razor blade so that you get a good seal.
-Consider replacing the gasket: This may be necessary if the original gasket has large tears or several small tears. In fact, replacing the gasket is a fairly easy job by simply using a trim removal tool to slide in between the window and the gasket, then hook the tool underneath the gasket and pull up. Once the old gasket is removed, install the new gasket by fitting it into the same place as the original and then push it down firmly.
-Lubricate the channel with silicone spray: This will help your window to glide smoothly along the channel when moving up or down.
-Retest your window: The window should move up and down without restriction or delay if the problem has been fixed.
STEP-3: How To Fix Wiring Problems:
-Find an electrical schematic of the car: This can be found either from information in the owner’s manual or on the Internet.
-Trace the wiring from the fuse panel to the switch: Try to refer to your electrical schematic for help. Additionally, make sure that there are no breaks in the connection from the fuse box to the switch. If you don’t find a schematic then it might be easier to trace the wiring from the switch back to the fuse box to look for any breaks in the connection.
-Use a multi-meter to confirm that the switch is getting 12-Volts of power: Attach the leads of the multi-meter to where the electrical wires come into the switch and set the meter to D/C volts. It should read 12-volts.
-Try tracing the wiring from the switch to the motor: This is the path that a signal will travel to move your window when you press a switch. In fact, any breaks or loose connections in the path will prevent your motor from functioning properly.
-Use a multi-meter to confirm that the motor is getting 12V of power: Attach the leads of the multi-meter to where the electrical wires come into the motor. Set it to D/C volts and it should read 12-volts.
-Look for any interrupted voltage caused by a loose connector or corrosion: In case there are any loose or corroded connections in the circuit, then they will disrupt the signal and cause your window to malfunction.
-Consider fixing the connector or corroded areas: Push any connectors or wiring harnesses together tightly and clean any corrosion away with a wire brush or similar tool.
-Test the window: In case your problem was in the circuitry and is now fixed, then your window should freely roll up and down without any restrictions or delays.
STEP-4: How To Replace a Faulty Switch:
-Find the window switch panel: This is the button used to operate your window. It’s usually located on the door of the car and they are rarely found on the center console.
-Remove the window switch panel: Be careful not to scratch up the door panel while removing the window switch. So, using a shop rag or piece of cardboard under your prying tool can help.
-Unplug the wiring connectors from the switch: You will need to test these connectors to make sure that they are providing the appropriate 12-volts to your switch.
-Use a multi-meter to probe each connector: Set a multi-meter for D/C volts and put the prongs of your multi-meter into the connector. It should read 12-volts when connected.
-Check the wiring on any switch for a low voltage reading: Tighten any loose connections and clear away any corrosion. Take a switch from another door and plug it into the connectors on the malfunctioning door. If you are able to operate your window using this switch, then the original-switch is bad and will need to be replaced.
-Buy a new switch: Contact a dealership or parts store and get a new window switch in case there is any faulty switch that needs replacement.
-Install the new window switch: Do this by plugging the connectors into the switch and popping the switch back into the door panel.