Window problem

Pete_89T2 · 08-23-2017, 06:33 AM

I'm assuming the driver's side window works up/down fine, which means the PW fuse is good.

Did you try raising & lowering the passenger window with BOTH door switches? How does it behave - one switch works, the other doesn't, both work or none work? IF at least one of the switches works, does the window go down only, up only, or works both ways? Post up results and we can give you better guidance.

Anyway, the FC power window design isn't the greatest. Electrically, there are no relays, so the full motor current flows thru the switch contacts, which tends to burn them out over time. Mechanically, the window linkage/regulator is a plastic chain thingy that is lubed with a kind of grease that after 30 years is likely the consistency of concrete by now. Ted has a great how-to post here for restoring the PW mechanicals. The PW motors are pretty robust, and don't fail all that often. So the weak point is usually the switches - the motors will try to demand more & more current to overcome the resistance of a gunked up regulator mechanism, and the switch contacts typically fail.

So as long as the motor is good, the best way to raise/close the window to solve your immediate problem is to disconnect the motor's 2 pin connector and jump 12V directly into it, "+" on one pin, "-" on the other. Switch the polarity to get the window moving in the correct direction if needed, and remove power as soon as the window is fully closed.

08-23-2017, 06:33 AM	#2
Pete_89T2 Lifetime Rotorhead Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Elkton, MD Posts: 874 Rep Power: 16	I'm assuming the driver's side window works up/down fine, which means the PW fuse is good. Did you try raising & lowering the passenger window with BOTH door switches? How does it behave - one switch works, the other doesn't, both work or none work? IF at least one of the switches works, does the window go down only, up only, or works both ways? Post up results and we can give you better guidance. Anyway, the FC power window design isn't the greatest. Electrically, there are no relays, so the full motor current flows thru the switch contacts, which tends to burn them out over time. Mechanically, the window linkage/regulator is a plastic chain thingy that is lubed with a kind of grease that after 30 years is likely the consistency of concrete by now. Ted has a great how-to post here for restoring the PW mechanicals. The PW motors are pretty robust, and don't fail all that often. So the weak point is usually the switches - the motors will try to demand more & more current to overcome the resistance of a gunked up regulator mechanism, and the switch contacts typically fail. So as long as the motor is good, the best way to raise/close the window to solve your immediate problem is to disconnect the motor's 2 pin connector and jump 12V directly into it, "+" on one pin, "-" on the other. Switch the polarity to get the window moving in the correct direction if needed, and remove power as soon as the window is fully closed.