What to Do If Your Power Window Switch Stops Working
Power Window Switch are a convenient feature that allow you to open and close the windows in your vehicle with the push of a button. The power window switch is the device that controls the electric current to the window motor, which moves the glass up and down. The power window switch is usually located on the door panel, near the window, or on the center console. Sometimes, there is a master switch on the driver’s door that can operate all the windows.
However, like any electrical component, the power window switch can fail over time due to wear and tear, corrosion, or damage. When this happens, you may experience some symptoms that indicate a problem with the switch, such as:
The window does not move or moves slowly when you press the switch
The window moves in the opposite direction of the switch
The window does not stop when you release the switch
The switch makes a clicking or buzzing noise when you press it
The switch feels loose or broken
The switch does not light up when you turn on the headlights
If you encounter any of these issues, you should try to diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible. A faulty power window switch can compromise your safety and comfort, as well as affect the value of your vehicle. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and repair a bad power window switch:
Check the fuse. The first thing you should do is check the fuse that protects the power window circuit. You can find the fuse box location and diagram in your owner’s manual or online. Use a fuse tester or a multimeter to check if the fuse is blown. If it is, replace it with a new one of the same amperage rating. If the fuse blows again, there may be a short circuit somewhere in the wiring.
Check the wiring. The next thing you should do is check the wiring that connects the switch to the motor and to the battery. You may need to remove the door panel or trim to access the wiring harness. Look for any signs of damage, such as cuts, frays, corrosion, or loose connections. If you find any, repair or replace them as needed. You can also use a multimeter to test for continuity and voltage in the wires.
Check the motor. If the fuse and wiring are fine, then you should check the motor that operates the window. You can do this by bypassing the switch and applying direct power to the motor terminals. You will need a jumper wire and a 12-volt battery or power source for this test. Disconnect the wiring harness from the motor and connect one end of the jumper wire to one terminal of the motor and the other end to one terminal of the battery. Then connect another jumper wire from the other terminal of the motor to the other terminal of the battery. This should make the window move up or down. If it does not, then you have a bad motor that needs to be replaced.
However, like any electrical component, the power window switch can fail over time due to wear and tear, corrosion, or damage. When this happens, you may experience some symptoms that indicate a problem with the switch, such as:
The window does not move or moves slowly when you press the switch
The window moves in the opposite direction of the switch
The window does not stop when you release the switch
The switch makes a clicking or buzzing noise when you press it
The switch feels loose or broken
The switch does not light up when you turn on the headlights
If you encounter any of these issues, you should try to diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible. A faulty power window switch can compromise your safety and comfort, as well as affect the value of your vehicle. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and repair a bad power window switch:
Check the fuse. The first thing you should do is check the fuse that protects the power window circuit. You can find the fuse box location and diagram in your owner’s manual or online. Use a fuse tester or a multimeter to check if the fuse is blown. If it is, replace it with a new one of the same amperage rating. If the fuse blows again, there may be a short circuit somewhere in the wiring.
Check the wiring. The next thing you should do is check the wiring that connects the switch to the motor and to the battery. You may need to remove the door panel or trim to access the wiring harness. Look for any signs of damage, such as cuts, frays, corrosion, or loose connections. If you find any, repair or replace them as needed. You can also use a multimeter to test for continuity and voltage in the wires.
Check the motor. If the fuse and wiring are fine, then you should check the motor that operates the window. You can do this by bypassing the switch and applying direct power to the motor terminals. You will need a jumper wire and a 12-volt battery or power source for this test. Disconnect the wiring harness from the motor and connect one end of the jumper wire to one terminal of the motor and the other end to one terminal of the battery. Then connect another jumper wire from the other terminal of the motor to the other terminal of the battery. This should make the window move up or down. If it does not, then you have a bad motor that needs to be replaced.
