Window Stuck down

tharbert1 · 04-30-2009, 11:51 AM

My power window is not coming up on my 88. At one point the window operation was intermittent and if I fooled with the switch several times the window would close. But now nothing. I cleaned the switch and connected a different switch that worked. Still nothing, no sound on the motor. The other window does work. And I checked power at the switch, all good. Any other checks before I start getting into the door and window motor?

Danglerb · 04-30-2009, 01:27 PM

Does the 88 have a relay for the windows? Fuse?

Alan in AZ · 04-30-2009, 02:23 PM

There is a single relay for both windows and sunroof - if any of them work this is not the problem. There is a single fuse for both Driver & Pass windows and another fuse for the sunroof. So if both windows work its not the fuse.

this is the behavior you see right?

So if all this checks out - get into the doors and first see that you have reversing power across the motor connections (not with respect to ground - just between the motor connectors) when switching between up & down modes on the switch. if not recheck the switches and wiring.

It could then be as simple as the motor getting stuck due to crud on the commutators or brush wear. I have had good luck just cleaning everthing well and reseating the brushes. Its also possible to find replacement brushes pretty easily.

Alan

tharbert1 · 04-30-2009, 03:36 PM

Driver window works great, I pretty throughly checked out the switch. I am thinking it is the motors. after 30 years it is probably due. Really want to thank both you guys, I have a couple of weeks at home and want to get a lot of backed up repairs done.

ozzieandstormy · 05-01-2009, 07:08 PM

Darn switch!

diverdan · diverdan's Garage

Went through the same thing and even took the door panel off only to find the motor was fine and found the problem back at the switch. Very embarrassing.

Dan

tharbert1 · 05-04-2009, 05:49 AM

Diverdan, I tried the test recommended on the web, pulled in my working switch (Drivers side) to the passenger side - nothing. Also pulled a good switch out of my 88 parts car, still nothing. Also check voltage (good), so I think I have done all the test prior to tearing into the door. Appreciate your help and I will let you all know what I find.

tharbert1 · 05-05-2009, 09:07 AM

Well now I am really confused. I have a spare motor, tore the door apart, pulled the plug off the old motor and checked voltage, all looked good. Then plugged it into my spare motor and nothing! I am very confused now. How about a bad ground?

tharbert1 · 05-05-2009, 09:27 AM

Didn't have the key far enough to energize the windows. Replacement motor worked fine, so now I have found the problem, bad window motor. Now we will see if I can get it changed out!! ;-)

fkassim · 05-13-2009, 01:39 AM

Just had the same problem with my window today...went down and then wouldnt budge...no motor sound or anything. I checked the relay...but like you said if one works both should work...same goes for the fuse...tore down the door panel and checked to see if there was current when the switch was pushed down at the motor end and indeed there was. The next thing to do was to get a piece of wood long enough and place it under the glass so it doesnt drop. Remove the arm that it hooked to the glass and disassemble the motor from the track and from the door itself. What I found was a small washer stuck in the gear and that caused the motor to freeze. Check to be sure your motor works when it has nothing connected. If it does then something is probably stuck in the mechanism. Simply clean it well and re grease it...Hope this helps...

tharbert1 · 05-14-2009, 08:17 AM

I did pull the old motor and tested it. It worked fine in the down movement, but up was intermittent and at certain points nothing. So the window motor will sometime go down but not up, this would normally seem like a switch issues, but it could be the motor. Just and FYI, hopefully this will save someone a lot of time.

Danglerb · 05-14-2009, 09:43 AM

Could be two things at the same time, going up takes more current, so more wear and tear on the switch. Add to that the motor maybe getting a bit tired, or the sliders etc. binding a little and no up and plenty down.

Same for the sunroof, many end up OPEN only.

AK nine 28 · 05-14-2009, 01:35 PM

I just had the same problem and I ordered a new switch and it solved the problem.

PorscheHusband · 09-08-2009, 08:15 PM

Ok- I've seen the posts on why the window might be stuck down but now I need sumpin to tell me how to take apart the console safely, remove the door paneling, and maybe check the center "hump" for proper connections of the switch's cabling. Is what I'm describing a shop manual? If so, what are the recommendations? Winter is coming on and my wife will not be happy if that window doesn't get shut!

Danglerb · 09-08-2009, 11:38 PM

http://www.nichols.nu/tip532.htm