Car power window problem diagnosis

A power window is a car window that is raised and lowered by a motor that is controlled by a switch. It is the norm in the cars available today, replacing the older hand cranked style. It saves people the trouble and the energy. At the push of a button, you just get what you want. However, when the system fails, it can be frustrating, overwhelming, and even can be devastating, particularly if it stops working in the down position.
Power window problems on cars and trucks could be considered one of the most annoying problems you could have on an automobile. A power window uses a switched motor to operate a mechanical window regulator which controls the movement of the pane of glass into the door. This whole system doesn’t vary much between vehicle manufactures or car models. Its main components include a master switch, a window lift motor, circuit breakers, relays, the wiring that connects all these items together and the glass. So if the windows stop working, any of the several following issues is likely to blame-no electricity, bad switches, bad motor, damaged window regulator, or even a broken wire.
If you have problem with your power windows, the causes could be a bad switch, a bad power motor, a wiring fault between the door switch and the door motor or in the motor power or ground circuit. To trace the problem down to its source, we need to do some troubleshooting. And the process is mostly one of elimination. That is, if the problem comes with some symptoms, like noises or something else, we need to take these symptoms into account, run a few tests and analyze the information we have acquired to find the root cause.
To troubleshoot the problem, we can start with the switch since it is one of the two most common causes of power window system problems a mechanic can find. Moreover, it is usually the easiest to remove and check. Remove and test it. Pry the switch up with a screwdriver, pull it free of the panel’s opening and disconnect the whole assembly from the wiring harness. After take it out, touch both sides with a circuit tester. If the tester displays positive on the both terminals of the switch while the window is activated, it is good, otherwise you need to replace the switch.
If the result shows a good switch, we can go with the wiring harnesses from the fuse panel to the switches and from the switches to the window regulator motor. Test the wiring for damage or short. If it is shorted or damaged, you’ll need to pay a professional to replace it.
If the circuits test fine, our next checking target is fuses. Open the fuse panel and check for disrupted elements. Different cars may have different fuse panel locations. Pull the fuse out and look at it for any blown signs. Replace if there have any.
If the fuses are intact, our next step is to remove the power window motor and run a test. Unbolt the armrest bolts and unscrew the interior door handle screws, then you can pull the door panel out. Now, the window regulator and the electric driver motor pop into your eyes. Inspect the window regulator’s joints for rust or stiff movement, if there’s nothing wrong with the electrical system operation. If the regulator is fine, move on with window rotor. Take the motor apart from its location, replace it with a new unit and try the window.
If you still cannot root out the cause, you can ask for other people’s advice, turn to someone more professional or simply visit a local auto shop.