Power Windows - controls in center console

TXJESSY

MEMBER
PONTIAC SUNFIRE

2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2 door convertible, 2.2L 4cycl
93,000 miles, automatic transmission, 2 wheel drive

For the past couple of weeks, the power window on the drivers side has been acting up. Part of the time it works fine. Part of the time it goes very slow, or it will not work at all (but if you wait a few minutes, it will start working again. Will go up a few inches. Then you have to wait a few minutes before it will move again). Today that window is working ok. Now the passenger side window has started acting up. It rolled down, but now it won't roll back up.

The way my car is made. The controls for the windows are in the middle consol (not on the doors). There are only two buttons. One for each window.

I don't think it's the fuse. Or it looks like it would kill both windows at once (and the fuse looks fine). I'm guessing there's a separate window motor and regulator for each window in the doors. So since this is happening with both windows.I'm guessing that's probably not the cause (both motors or regulators wouldn't go out at once. Right?). So. Since the controls for both windows are in the middle consol together.I'm guessing that's where the problem is. I thought it might just be that the contacts between the controls got dirty (that's happened before), so I tried cleaning them the best I could. But it didn't help.

What else can I do to determine the exact problem? I called to check on a price for a new switch ($108 at Autozone), but I don't want to pay and change it out without knowing that will fix the problem.

Thanks for your time and assistance! :)

6 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Test the switch for 12 volts in and out to window motors. Does it have "express down" feature? The control module for that is built into the master switch. I have seen 2 window motors go out at once before. First be sure that you are getting system voltage at the motors.

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Monday, May 28th, 2007 AT 8:17 AM

TXJESSY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Jack,

Thanks for your quick reply! I'm not sure exactly how to test for 12v in and out to the window motors. I have a tester, and I unplugged the old switch (in the center consol that controls the windows), and tested the connections there. They are all showing power (12v). I'm wondering if you mean to test at the motor though (take the door panel off, and test for 12v on the motor in each door)?

I had went ahead and picked up a new switch at the auto parts store last night (was worried they wouldn't be open today due to the holiday). Since it was simple to change out (just unplug the old one, plug in the new one) I tried it. With the new switch plugged in, both windows went up and down.I was getting ready to celebrate and putting up my things. Then I went to roll the windows back up before getting out of the car. And the driver's side window started going very slow, then stopped halfway up (talk about wanting to scream). If I let it sit for a minute, then turn the key back on, it would go up a little further. After doing this a few times I finally got both windows rolled up all the way.

So.I guess I'm back where I started. Except now both windows are rolled up (which is good, it's supposed to rain every day this week).I'm out $108 for a new switch that didn't fix the problem, but now I know it's not just the switch. But now I'm not sure exactly where to go from here. Is taking the door panels off and testing the motors for 12v something I can do myself. Or am I at a point I should take it to someone who knows more about car repair? I don't mind trying it myself.I grew up helping my dad work on cars in his shop (he's passed now). But, I don't want to do any damage that's going to cost me more in the end.

Thanks for your help!
Jessy

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Monday, May 28th, 2007 AT 11:45 AM

TXJESSY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Forgot to add. Yes, it does have the "express down" feature for the driver's side window.

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Monday, May 28th, 2007 AT 11:47 AM

RELLIKNIKCUF

MEMBER
53 POSTS

I would check the connections at the motor. Pop the door panel off and test for 12 volts when trying to roll the window up and down. While you are at it, pull the connector and clean it good. Also check to see if there is another connector between the motor and switch. There usually is one behind the kick panel just inside the door.

Oh, you can bring that switch back to Autozone. Just make sure it is clean and looks original. If they ask, just tell them it wasn't the right one and you got the right one somewhere else. Or tell them the truth, that wasn't the problem and you didn't use the switch.

Good luck.

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Monday, May 28th, 2007 AT 1:55 PM

2CARPRO JACK