Passenger window won’t roll up or down

SHANEMAN79

MEMBER
2012 GMC ACADIA
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
122,000 MILES

The front passenger window not operating began as an intermittent issue. It would occasionally work again after shutting the door hard. Then it stopped working all together. I can hear a clicking noise in the switch when I try to operate the window from either the driver or passenger side. I assumed that meant I was getting power and the problem was most likely the motor. I pulled apart the door and I have don’t have power to the motor/regulator. I bench tested the motor and it operates when voltage is applied. Is this as simple as changing out a passenger switch? Thanks!

Friday, August 29th, 2025 AT 5:22 PM

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
15,233 POSTS

There are three circuits to test on the back of the switch. As you tested the motor it will be one of the three that is the issue. As you can hear the logic circuit toggle with the DS switch it likely isn't the main power feed. The switch will have a Red Wire with White wire that carries main battery power. There will be a Yellow wire that carries a signal from the ignition switch. Then there is the Black wire that is the ground. A break in any of them could cause your issue. They tend to fail in the accordion tube between the door and body. However if you test on the back of the switch you can determine if it's one of them or the switch. IE, connect to the black wire with a test light to battery power, move the wiring, does the light flash or go out, wire or connector has a problem. Same with the other 2. If they stay on then it's a switch failure (likely a bad solder joint or contact in the switch, they can burn at the switch points)

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