Power windows intermittently not working

NEIL2002CIVIC

MEMBER
2010 HONDA CIVIC
1.7L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

Good morning,

I have the car listed above EX model, that I have owned since new.
The right rear passenger window has always been a problem. Not working at the main switch but working at the door itself. Fast forward to a couple months ago. I bought a new switch and put it in and then the right front passenger and driver's rear didn't work. I took out the new switch and put in the old one. I checked the operation and all windows work. Then intermittently windows wouldn't work at random but was able to get them up. Fast forward to last night I hit the right rear passenger switch and the window was stuck down. I removed the panel and powered the motor and put the window up. (Motor is good) I also noticed the left rear passenger not working up or down two fronts work. That all being said. How does this power window circuit work? I looked at the connector at the main switch and it looked clean and intact. I do have another switch coming (warrantied). How is the power sent to the power windows? I believe there are 4 or 5 wires at the individual switches. Is there an inherited problem to look for? I'm thinking a wire is broken or maybe a connector problem. I guess I need to know where to start first. Owning the car since new and by what has happened in the history. Do I start at the main switch connector? Thanks as always. Your help is greatly appreciated! Have a great day and stay healthy!

Neil Lipson

8 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,904 POSTS

It sounds like the power window relay is going out or the main window switch is having a problem with the microprocessor inside the switch. I would start with the relay. I have a guide here you can help run tests with and the relay location in the diagrams below:

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

Also included the master window switch testing and replacement instructions in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 AT 6:01 PM

NEIL2002CIVIC

MEMBER
111 POSTS

Hi Ken. Thanks for the quick response. I'm sorry I didn't ask 2 or 4 door. My car is a 4 door EX. I have one questions, correct me if I'm wrong. If the relay was bad wouldn't all the windows not work? When one or more of the windows don't work the others do. If you could please send me the troubleshooting charts for the 4-door ex circuit ans master switch. I will double check the relay now. Thanks for your help and time. It's appreciated!
Neil

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Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 AT 6:29 PM

NEIL2002CIVIC

MEMBER
111 POSTS

Hi Ken, the relay appears to be working properly when the working windows work. I wasn't sure if there's another one, I could exchange just to try in its place. I just need the troubleshooting chart for that Master window switch please. (4 door ex) I suspect a bad master switch or possible broken wire in the harness leading to the main switch. As I said I have replaced the switch before. Although not original mainly because the price of a new original is $200.00. The vendor where I bought the aftermarket switch has a lifetime warranty and is also willing to send me a new Switch no charge. I still would like to double-check in the switch itself so I know what the switch in the car is doing compared to the new one I will be getting. As always thanks for everything you do. You guys are always great and informative. I appreciate the help getting me in the right direction to isolate my problem. Have a great day and stay healthy.
Neil Lipson

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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 12:32 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,904 POSTS

Yep, I have seen the wiring at the driver door break at the door jam. Here are the four-door switch testing, the main window switches go out which is common. You are right on the relay, my bad. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Friday, July 1st, 2022 AT 9:59 AM

NEIL2002CIVIC

MEMBER
111 POSTS

Hi Ken,

Hope you had a nice 4th of July.
It's not the switch. Do you have a power window wiring schematic for this car? 4 Door EX. No broken wires visible and nothing when wiggled. It is both rear windows not working, front work only. There is a connector that joins the door to the rest of the car. I haven't taken it apart yet. I have seen these connectors break or deteriorate. I'm going to remove the complete driver's front door panel and hope I see something. (Only arm rest removed for switch)

Please help me identify the wire/wires (colors) that links the rear windows together that might account for my rear windows not working. Unless I see an obvious problem. I will need to check for continuity.
This will be greatly appreciated!
I had recent back surgery and it limits my twisting and time I can twist. No fun with rods in your back.
Have a great night!
Neil