Passenger Side Power Window works intermittently

Tiny
STEVMOORE
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD RANGER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
This is a real head-scratcher. There are times when my passenger side window does not work. Usually, when the passenger switch fails to operate the window, I can bump the driver's side switch for it a little and then the passenger side switch works fine.

I replaced both driver and passenger switches. I replaced the passenger window regulator as well as both relays in the engine compartment.

I checked for broken wires in the rubber boot joining the body to the door at the hinge - from what I could see, no broken wires.

I checked the ground on the driver's side as well.

Thoughts?
Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 AT 8:11 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,110 POSTS
Hello, because you can bump the driver side window switch and make it work, then you have a loose pin in the driver's door switch. It's the only place power comes from for the Pass side window. The pins in any connector loosen up over time, over the years of use, the pins get a little hot with current flow, then they cool down, and then again, and over. Eventually there gets to be a pin that's loose enough that it causes resistance in that connector, which causes more heat. And the problem just gets worse. On connectors we suspect a loose pin, we do a pin-drag test, to see how tight it is, but I think you'll find that if you take the switch out and can tighten up the female end of the connector, you'll solve the issue. It can be any one of about three pins that could be loose. Pin fitment issues can cause all kinds of very difficult problems especially when its computer related. Sometimes we use thermal imagers to find connectors that are hot. Works great. Below is an example.
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Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
STEVMOORE
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Thank you very much! I'll try that!
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Thursday, December 9th, 2021 AT 6:01 AM
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,110 POSTS
Let us know what you find. We love a follow up. Thanks
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Thursday, December 9th, 2021 AT 9:09 AM
Tiny
STEVMOORE
  • MEMBER
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I gently pushed the side of the connector opposite the solder joint into the center a little bit on the two wires you indicated. I'll see how that goes. If it occurs again, I will cut a small piece of wire and insert it into the female connector. Looks like I can hook it over one end.

Is there a donate link to support you?
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Monday, December 13th, 2021 AT 9:16 AM
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,110 POSTS
No, we don't take donations but thank you for the idea, I appreciate it much. I just want to make sure it gets fixed correctly for you.
Did you find a bad solder joint?
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Monday, December 13th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM

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