2003 Honda Odyssey Passenger Window doesn't go up from Driv

JDONOHO

MEMBER
2003 HONDA ODYSSEY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
85,000 MILES

We just had some body work, due to minor collision, on the passenger side of the vehicle. Upon getting the vehicle back, this issue is present: Passenger side window works fine if using passenger side controls. When using driver side controls, the passenger window will go down, but not up.

Body shop claims their is no way that they could've caused the problem. It's most likely a switch problem. I guess the possibility exists that the switch went bad right around the time we gave it to them or while they had it. I just find if highly unlikely and due to the fact they were working on that door.

Is the driver side switch going bad the only possible explanation? Is there anything that could be wrong on the passenger side?

My current option from the insurance company is a diagnostic to determine if the problem is related to the passenger door. I am guessing this may show a problem, but it'll probably be impossible for me to prove that the body shop caused the issue.

6 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi jdonoho,

The symptoms points to a faulty driver door switch and nothing wrong with the passenger side.

Both switches are interlinked and when in neutral position, it has to provide a complete circuit for the other switch to work. The fact that passenger side switch works and driver door switch is unable to close the window shows a fault in the switch up circuit.

This should not be related to the passenger side.

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Monday, March 11th, 2019 AT 5:12 PM

JDONOHO

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Thank you. That's what I'd think am I'm going to try a replacement switch on the driver side. The thing that is interesting is the timing of the issue. I'm almost positive it worked the day before the body shop took the car to work on the passenger door and take it apart for inspection/repair, etc. I think they broke it or shorted it or something, but of course they claim to have never done anything that would've affected it. Maybe the switch just broke when they were using it, but still. They should be the ones replacing it IMO.

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Monday, March 11th, 2019 AT 5:12 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

The switch could be failing and when the shop repaired the passenger door, they could have been testing the operations and the switch might have broken down during this time.

You can't put the blame squarely on the shop but should it be the case, at least the shop should have informed you.

Another possibility is the switch was on its last gasp when the shop finished it work and when you tried to operate it, it just failed to work.

Such circumstances do happen and we at shops are always at a disadvantage.

I had an instance when a car was driven into my shop, raised on the hoist to some visual checks underneath with engine not running.

When vehicle was lowered, it started but transmission had failed. The torque converter had some stripped its internal gears splines, this was due to wear over age and usage and it just decided to retire at this particular time and circumstances.

Lucky thing this vehicle belonged to one of my employees, if not I would have a lot of explanation to do.

Such problems are not easy to prove and there is the benefit of doubt. You are sure the switch was working but the shop can always argue that the switch was already faulty when vehicle was brought in.

The problem is not due to shorting of switch, if it is, it would not work for the passenger side as well. It should be caused by the contacts inside the driver side switch and this should be due to wear over time. If you try flicking the switch lightly a few times. It might just decide to work.

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Monday, March 11th, 2019 AT 5:12 PM

JDONOHO

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Yeah, I realize it's a possibility. It's just the fact that they worked on the door, took it apart, inspected, etc. That the issue occurs after they give it back. It's just a big coincidence. I'm still investigating, but looks like I'm going to have to spend more money on it and will likely never be able to prove anything.

That being the case.I've an update. If anyone has any further suggestions.I've replaced the driver side switch panel and the same exact results:

Passenger window works fine if controlling from passenger switch.
Passenger window ONLY GOES DOWN if controlling from the driver side control.

Now, I'm not really knowledgable about the workings for things, but which scenario is more likely. Or is there another possibility?

1. Passenger door has a wiring issue due to being put back together incorrectly or possibly breaking a single wire or even loosening a contact in the passenger door.

2. The passenger switch can somehow be at fault.

3. Still some other possibility in some master computer or something somewhere else in the car?

Any help would be great!

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Monday, March 11th, 2019 AT 5:12 PM

JDONOHO

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Ok. I fixed it. It was in the passenger side window switch. Although it seemed to be working perfectly, there were some contacts within the switch that no longer were making contact. I'm still not sure if the body shop created the problem or not, but it looked as if some heat melted the area where the contacts are housed causing them to shift and no longer make contact. I guess it could've been that way forever since no other areas appeared melted and perhaps their inspection involved opening the switches and they just did something to push the contacts out of position. Or something shorted when they were doing things. I may replace the part anyway, but not really sure why/who caused the problem.

Anyway, at least I now know the driver side controls passenger side switch problem was part of the passenger side switch (which appeared to be working just fine). The guy at the body shop acted like working on the passenger side door wouldn't affect an issue present in the driver side switch though. I guess they should just stick to the body work and forget the electrical, because he is obviously clueless and just spouts off at the mouth to cover his company as if 'common' people will never understand and always take them at their word. Obviously don't trust 'experts' all the time. They can be wrong as well. Especially when it involves money and they don't want to lose any.