Power window troubleshooting

[SLO C5]

My passenger side, front power window won't budge. It's stuck in the up position, thankfully. Is there a way I can do some preliminary diagnosis on it before I pull the door apart and/or buy a new motor?

I've seen some motors on ebay for $11 + shipping, should I avoid them? The ones at Kragen are $40+. LMC is $50.

Can I take apart the 4 window switch on the driver side door and connect the wires from the passenger front window to one of the other 3 switches to see if that is the problem? That switch doesn't have one of the clips on it that hold it to the door panel, so I can easily get right behind it and play with the wires, if this is a way to troubleshoot it?

 

[trikstark5]

The window doesn't go down from either switch? Do you notice the a voltage drop like the window is trying to go down? If so, it my just be jammed. If not, I would start checking the switches for 12 vdc and go from there.

 

[Jason4x4]

I've seen several vehicles that had a broken wire inside the felxy dohicky that the wires are in from the body to the door

 

[nm4x4]

I agree with checking for voltage at the switch and then unplug the connector at the motor and check for voltage too. I had power to the switch and no power to the motor, I then checked each wire for continuity. I found broken wires that run through the door jam, re-soldered and heat shrink and good as new!

 

[SLO C5]

Neither switch works. I did notice, that when trying the windows in accessory mode(engine not running), that everything is much slower, and the domelights dim when I first try the switch.

Since both switches don't work, then that would lead me to the motor as the likely culprit, right? I need to get a digital voltmeter.

 

[shaun89]

i just did my window motor some of the wires were bare in some spots from just being rubbed and moving for so long,might want to check that. but the window motor isnt hard to do at all, i just took the window out and unbolted the...whatcha call it...window lift gear/arm? and without taking that out of the door u can lift it up, unbolt the old motor and bolt the new one onto it. just make sure u see how the wires are routed through there so when it goes back together u dont bind the window up on the wires. o ya, to get the window back in theres a tiny bar that goes from the bottom bolt on the rear view mirror to the door on the inside, take that out cause you have to slide the window back and forth a lot to get it back on the tracks.you can get a NEW window motor at napa for $35..they can re-man and NEW...i think the new is worth it. it took about 3 hours for me to do the whole thing. maybe 4 if your girlfriend shows up.

 

[thealien]

Like everyone said you need a volt meter (or test light). Either can be had for cheap. I too have had broken wires between the door and body. You need to check for power at the switches and then the motor and you will know if it is the switches, wiring, or motor.