All windows stopped working

GR8NORMANGAL

MEMBER
2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
80,000 MILES

Lincoln Cartier model. My question is, which fuse/relay to check? When I look at fuse box diagrams the power window relay 1 inside fuse box says except Cartier and Signature series. Same thing in diagrams for under the hood fuse box.

Monday, November 15th, 2021 AT 5:15 AM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,407 POSTS

Hi,

I am only showing one wiring schematic. See pics 1 and 2 below. I'm not sure why it would be different. Here is what we need to do. First, let's see if the schematics I have along with fuse layouts are what in your vehicle. If they aren't, then we will simply go about the testing differently.

First, I need to explain something. Power is sent to each switch. At each motor will be two wires. One will supply power (wire A) and the other a ground (wire B) to the motor to open the window. When you close them, power is switched, and polarity is switched changing the direction of the window motor.

Since they have all failed at once, either we have a fuse issue (power) an accessory relay issue, or we lost the common ground to all window motors. Even the window lock at the driver's side controller is grounded here. The ground is located under the dash near the blend air door actuator (HVAC). I can help with the location if needed. The common ground will be a red wire with a light blue tracer.

Now, pics 3 and 4 show where I am seeing power to the accessory delay relay is coming from (fuse 11 battery junction box pic 3 and relay central junction box pic 4).

When checking the fuse, it is important to first inspect the condition of the fuse and then confirm there is power to and from it. Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Next, the relay is located in the central junction box (in the vehicle). It doesn't appear there is one to switch it with, so here is a link that explains how to test a relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If the fuse is good and the relay is good, go to the main switch on the driver's door. Locate the yellow wire with a green tracer and check it for power. If there is power, suspect an issue with the aforementioned ground. If there is no power, go back to the relay and check the yellow wire with the light green tracer for power out. If there is power but not making it to the switch, there is an open between the two.

Let me know what you find or if there are questions, I can answer.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)