Electric Windows don't work

Dan Owens · 07-03-2002, 08:42 AM

Ok Guy's,

Now that I have the car running again, I find a new problem. I went to use the car and discovered that the electric windows don't work. Neither the driver's or passenger side. I've checked the fuses and the relay and all is well there. Since I have a long weekend I thought I'd start working on that problem. Anyone have suggestions on where to start troubleshooting? Points, tips hints, etc.

Dan O
'84 3.2

surflvr911sc · surflvr911sc's Garage

I'd start w/ making sure you have power to the switches. That will at least tell you if you need to tear into the doors or not. Chances are, if neither window works, you wont find power at the switches but you should find out for sure. Check to make sure that there is nothing else going on. Does everything else work? Does everything else work when you turn on different things on together? Good luck.

91C2wrencher · 91C2wrencher's Garage

Dan how do you know the pwr window relay is good? A little hint here is that on my car that realy is hot to the touch when the ignition is on.

Drago · Drago's Garage

I'm going to tag onto your post, hope that's OK.

My '87 has a drivers window that works fine but the passenger window is inoperable from the passenger side switch and sometimes (usually upon intial startup of the car) works with the drivers side switch.

I've heard before that the window motors seldom fail but that the regulators and switches (especially the switches) fail quite frequently.

The PO told me that the contacts become corroded over time (because there is a slight gap between the Targa top and the window...another problem entirely I'm sure) and that I just need to get in there and clean them up....well, I did just that this last weekend without any success.

I'm thinking of changing out the switches first and if that fails I'll tear into the regulator and motor.

Ugh...I really dislike door work.

Anyone have anything else to add???

Jdub · 07-03-2002, 10:16 AM

Marc:

Is there a "defeat" lockout switch to prevent the passenger from opening their window? Could this be enabled somehow?

I have done a lot of power window and sunroof work on Mercedes and inevitably it comes down to bad switches and corroded fuses. But above all, I find again and again dirty regulators that no motor will budge. If you can hear a buzzing at the switch it is possible the motor is trying to do its work. Failing that you must make sure by checking for full current at the switch. From there it is off to the motor.

Sorry not to be of more help. My SC has the (desirable) rollup windows...

John

john walker's workshop · 07-03-2002, 11:42 AM

if the horn works, swap that relay for the window relay for test purposes.

Dan Owens · 07-03-2002, 08:08 PM

John,

I'm with you on swapping the relays and already did that when I checked the fuse. Everything else seems to work fine. I'm wondering two things, is there a ground wire somewhere in the engine compartment that may be loose or disconnected? Remember I just had the engine and trannie put in and they worked prior to that. Second If the main drivers window switch goes bad do both windows die, like a three way switch? I already replaced both the drivers door switch that controls the passenger side and the passenger door switch about 9 months ago.

DAn O

steve911 · steve911's Garage

Dan-
I had a similar problem on my '85 a few months ago. Neither window worked and fuse looked fine. I put a new fuse in - windows work. go figure. try a new fuse just for roars...

rbcsaver · 07-04-2002, 12:43 PM

If one window work and the other doesn't, try using some GOOD electronic contact cleaner/lubricant spray on the switches. It has worked for me on moon roof, window and turn signal/high beam switches. Caveat, protect any vinyl and leather areas from drips and over spray. Usually, I just separate the switch from its mounting point, protect, spray and move the switch back and forth with the ignition off. Hasn't failed me yet!
Steve

surflvr911sc · surflvr911sc's Garage

Did you get it figured out? I adjusted my window height about a week ago. With the passenger door switch in, I needed to only hook up the one of the driver's side switchs at a time to operate the windows. So at least the drivers switch isn't connected through another, so try switching switches.

Kurt B · 07-05-2002, 03:59 PM

I have a 3.2 too, and if it's not the fuses, then it can possibly be the driver's side window controller.
Pull the switch out of the door. Gently. Once you do, you'll see all the wires going to it--mine are hooked up individually rather than with a plug. The current goes into the driver's side window, to the driver's passenger controller, and then to the passenger switch. It's likely the hotline isn't connected properly.

You'll need your bentley manual to ensure everything is hooked up properly, and to see which one is the hotline (can't remember if it's red/black or solid red)

mm86911 · mm86911's Garage

Had a similar problem and checked everything out (fuses, relays, switches) to no avail. I ended up replacing the passenger power window motor this past spring. Motor looked good, clean but 12 volts direct wouldn't turn it. It's a several hour job just getting to it.