How To Diagnose Power Window Problem - Is the Switch or Motor bad? 

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

Really love this company. The videos are super informative and the prices for their parts are amazing. Bought MAS and ignition coils for my cars and over a year now and everything’s still running strong with no issues.

I simply swap opposite side window switches. If problem follows. It's the switch. Great video.

I didn't know anything about Power windows and in the last month I've learned how to change out motors and regulators pn 2 different cars,thank you for the videos.

I am a retired ASE master mech. I found your videos very clear and concise.

Once again Mike your a lifesaver. I had replaced the window switch in my Chevy a while back. You gave me some good advice. Now I've got the same problem with a different car but I don't think it's the switch this time. Glad I saw this video so I can correctly check the wires tomorrow. Fuses are fine, I've tried 2 other switches from the auto wreckers and they didn't work. If it's not the motor which I haven't tackled before then there's a break in the wires . Thank you again. I'll let you know the outcome.

What if the window goes up but doesn't go down?

This is good stuff. Your debug logic is good, the back-probe to identify power and connectivity is correct and the triple check by connecting to another known good motor closes any remaining guesses. Can't imaging why some give this thumbs down as this is exactly correct approach. Maybe double check connections and ground to be sure they're good but If you have concerns because of other electrical anomalies, that's a different subject and video. Thanks I appreciated this video's testing Vs Parts Swapping fix!

Just diagnosed my power window problem with this video. Spot on! Thank you.

In a pinch, you've tried everything and maybe come to the conclusion you're gonna need a new motor or switch. Maybe you don't have the money to buy a new switch and it's gonna rain. Or you live in one of those places you wouldn't live in if you didn't have to, gotta get that window up. This works and has worked for me, anyway. Open the affected door and with a fist, moderately bang on the door panel around where you surmise the motor and attaching wires might bang. All the while with key on and your switch for that window pressed. If you're lucky the window will close. If not, there's one more possibility to try. With key on, but switch not depressed, open affected door and slam it closed fairly firmly. Much harder than you normally would, but much like you would if a rabid Bigfoot was 2 feet away from getting into your car with you in it. Well, did either of those work? Try it again, but don't stay up all night with it. If it's going to work it'll do it on the first second or third try. If it doesn't, follow this video or go see the car doctor, when you get the bucks. A lot of em. I have a PT Cruiser that the driver's window gets stuck in the open position and won't close. Freaked out, I immediately went to the WEB to find a solution. One video harkened to my less-than-Bezos wealth and offered these solutions for the desperate. With no promise they'll work. The banging on the door panel with my fist did and does (1 year now) work for me, for how long is the only remaining question. Good luck or getcha some Handi-Wrap.......

I will diagnose my power window problem and buy the parts from this site because of video procedure that will save me time when fixing my window problem. Thank you for this video.

great thank you for answering the question if theres no power at all coming from the wires👍

What a great video. Short and Simple. Get in, get it done, get out.

Thank You for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮ ❤

As long as feasible I will be buying parts through you guys. Simply because you took the time to try and share knowledge. Not just going for my wallet. Just bought a driver side window regulator for my 2000 Dakota. I will add that the site was built well which narrowed my search down to exactly what I needed, no smoke and mirrors.

Finally a short but to the point video bravo

In my case . On my chevy silverado 08 The problem wasn't the motor or the power switch . It was the plug conector to the motor it was loose on one side and that was causing the problem.

thank you so much for your videos. Every time I am in a pinch you are there to help guide me through all of my frustrating situations. much gratitude from myself and surely many others haha

what if it sometimes works sometimes not, how to diagnose, do you have to wait for when it doesnt work?

we need more people like u in the world

Thanks for posting this video. I figured it was a bad window motor. My issue is my window control module. I think has a parasitic draw because when I pull window fuse out my milliamps go down to .3. From .11 I even swapped out the module with a newer one, and I still have the same problem. What do you think it could be? I don’t see any cuts or tears either.

Thank you for your video. Very helpful. I was just working last night on my 2005 convertible beetle. As of the sudden, all 4 windows, the convertible top, the trunk lid switch and the trunk light stpped working. It never happened to me. Should i check the fuses?

video was helpful. I have a bad motor as well.

Done the Diagnose on the switch, Checked the relay with a meter And the 9 volt trick, switched relays, Checked the fuse. Took out the motor from the window Took it apart for cleaning and inspection One of the two magnets on the sides for the shaft Had a broken split magnet where the power to go up meets the power wire You could get the window down However once there was a bit of load/tight pinch / way half going up on the motor The shaft would move slightly And the connection would be lost - Ordered a new window motor regulator from 1A Auto - It was Cheaper than most other websites And the ship (Has nothing to do with 1A Auto) was pretty fast for outside of the country Right part And fit perfectly ..... I say all this because--- How many part suppliers take the time to show you a video on diagnose And uninstall/install the very part they sell....Thanks 1A ! Top notch !

You guys are awesome, one of my favorite youtube channels.

Worked to determine that a window motor was getting power but no working. Thanks.

Very helpful ordered my parts for my silverado from you guys thanks

Excellent video.

Problem: using test light can kill the circuitry if smart switches/motors are involved. They can use 5 volt pulses to control with the phase of two pulse streams determining up/down. For such cars, a test light can't detect the trouble, but CAN cause a circuit to blow. :(

Great video, it's still very helpful for an old guy that seems to forget a lot more than I should for a retired mechanic.

In a pinch also try switching a Power Window Control Switch from the opposite working Power Window Switch. Example: Switch Driver's Side Power Window Switch with the Passenger Power Window Switch to see if you can close a window stuck in a down position. It might be just a faulty Power Window Switch that not working.

I did all this and tested the window agitator directly to the battery, and it works. What else can it be?

I would’ve liked to see how you clean the Alternator.......... I have one of these cars and I had to change the starter and alternator ....10 years.... I love this car

i used this video get a false positive for a problem with my regulator. Light came on even though I had a breakin the wireon my drivers side door. Replaced motor. replaced switch. Finally found break in white/yellow wire in boot on drivers side door

My test light shines when I touch one wire but not when I touch the other wire. I swapped switch out to the passenger side it worked fine. I take it to mean there's a short in the driver's side wiring?

I like this format. Pause the video and voice over with explanations. If a viewer wasn't aware of why you were doing the things you were doing the explanations answer a lot of questions that would be occurring to them as they watched.

Got to say, these videos have proved to be so handy I'm honestly thinking of using you guys for parts. Informative advertising is best advertising lol

thanks i can always count on 1A Auto Parts

Hello sir i have a question, is the right and left window have the same fuse? My left window is working but my right window (driver seat) isnt and its not making a motor sound when i push the switch up and down. Thanks.

Also it's possible to have a bad ground. I have a passenger window that wont work from ither switch but works great if I supply ground to the motor directly on the proper polarity. 01 dodge grand caravan. Supplying 12 volts directly to the motor will confirm or rule out a suspected bad motor.

I’m going to get some doors with regular hand cranks on them, these electric windows on a Ford pickup are a real aggravation when they won’t work. Thanks for this content!

This is a long shot question since this video is 7 years old idk if I get a response. But what happens when you have constant power coming out of the plug for the regulator and when you use the switch you can hear ticking in the regulator when plugged in, I have replaced 3 regulators and they worked fine before then went into the truck. but as soon as you use the switch it likes blows the regulator and then it stops working like it should, but you still hear ticks when using the switch inside the regulator

Thanks for making this video very HELPFUL

Hello, great video. My fuse is fine, I tested power to the switch and the light comes on. I have 1 yellow wire and 1 white wire to the regulator. Only the white wire lights up. I also tested at the regulator and only the white wire lights up. Does this mean I need a new switch?

I have power to the motor connector up and down. The motor only moves in the up direction when plugged into the the vehicle. I put the motor on a bench top power supply and it moves in both directions.

Oh my god! I never ever knew that that was what those weird transparent screwdrivers with the thingies in them were for! You just made my month!

98 corvette, I’ve brought a new motor and switches and windows still not working but the locks works😮

Thanks So Much Sir! Really Appreciated The Video!!

My passenger truck window rolled down but will not roll back up.

Hi guys, love your channel 👍 I've got a strange problem with my power windows in my 05, H6, Subaru Outback BP, I had my front left and rear right windows, for some reason they both stopped working at the same time ?? Both of my other 2 windows still work, I have changed the master switch block an the door switches to no avail, can you suggest where I can keep looking to find out why ?? Are the two dead windows on the same circuit ?? As you can tell this is really doing my head in, I know a bit about electric's but I'm no expert, and living in Australia Auto electricians charge an arm and a leg. I really hope that you can help as this is driving me nuts, I absolutely love the car except for these window problems. Cheers guys and greetings from the land down under I've been a subscriber to your channel for years and love your tutorial video's. 👍👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 Please help me head in the right direction.

If any of our viewers need to replace their power window switch we carry new ones on our website for many different year, make and model vehicles. Here's a link to them. We also offer free shipping on all order in the US www.1aauto.com/power-window-switch/c/35?RU-vid&CTA%20Comment&ATony

1992 Chevy Van window won't go down more than halfway. At that point it makes a noise as long I I am holding the down button. What could possibly cause this?

Helped out alot thank you

2002 Ford Taurus, all windows and inside lights work intermittently. I have replaced the master power window switch, with the help of your videos, no luck. Any ideas?

the link to buy the tool shows a red and a ground you only connect a ground in the video

You are peace and joy everything that you want will come to you in that perfect time united world marketing Inc is the property of their respective owners go world 😊

Hola gracias por este Vídeo instructivo. Pero a mi me gustaría poder verlo en Español se que me ayudaría mucho

Nice to confirm how logical electric troubleshooting is...gives me confidence to figure out my car's problem and save lots of $$$.

love your work guys

Can you answer...? Replaced driver front regulator (kept the motor, it appeared to work with a bench test). After new regulator back in place, only "up" works, "down" doesn't! I have verified that there is power at the motor connector for both up and down... I'm baffled. Is there some sort of limit switcg/fuse *inside* the motor? (2002 Olds Intrigue)

One of the up/down switches had much higher resistance than the other one, as clearly shown by the dimmer light during the testing. This could result in significantly less power coming out of the dimmer side of the switch, typically the side providing lifting power, and causing slower operation of the lifting of the window. Diagnose and eliminate this possibility before replacing the motor assembly.

I have a 2014 Nissan Altima and all my windows just stopped working. They wont go up or down. Could it be a fuse? I’m a recent widow and have to try and learn all this stuff. I just can’t locate the fuss box to check the fuse. What else might it be? Thank you

I have a 2005 Impala. All the windows are stuck up. When I hit the driver's switch, up or down, it just buzzes, I changed out the entire switch panel and it was the same with a new switch. No other windows respond either. Can you tell what it probably is? Is it likely to be the regulator, since no other windows work either?

I have power but lock moves only a quarter open once in awhile.

If 3 windows work ( all work, EXCEPT the driver's window, ), would it be reasonable to check only if the driver's switch gets power.... if the driver's motor gets power...and forego the rest?

On my 08 Accord the passangers window works fine but only from the Switch of door but it does not work from drivers máster control. I was thinking of there is a module in between the two of them. Dont know what to do...

How many volts should be going to the motor? Mine shows 2.7 volts when i hit switch and it wont do nothing?

I have a window that works but keeps stopping near top won't go up. How do i fix that ??

Hello friend, greetings from Chile. My nissan frontier does not raise or lower the glasses, even the central locking does not work either. I bought the main button panel of the glass racks, but the problem continues, it only raises and lowers the glass a little on the pilot's side, but it stops, plus the button lights come on and then go off and no longer work. Also when pressing the central locking button a "CLICK" is heard under the steering wheel. Perhaps it is some relay that is failing? please i need your help or advice.

i went to college for auto electric 2 years and passed a National Technician Auto Electric Certification and it was easy to pass if you know the answers... Haha,,, window electric problems is fun for me, made a ton of money doing repair on them and just love the hunt for the answer to the problem... but my real love is building Turbine gas engines, now thats where the real money and skill is,,, also using a test light can damage auto electric systems my friend so look out you should use a LED test light, in college we had to make one in the class to pass the course, yep look out for that LED test light for very low mA circuits... you just learned something.

What tool are you using to test the power

Good info, but you could just start your power checks at the motor. If the motor is getting power you can skip the other two checks because you'll already know power is getting to and through the window switch. If no power is getting to the motor, then work backward from the motor to the switch check, etc. In my experience, the majority of the time on vehicles since the '90s it's the window motor that's bad. Before the mid '90s or so, power windows switches were a more common failure point, but not so much anymore. They do occasionally go bad, but it doesn't seem to be nearly as common after about the mid '90s. I've changed a half dozen bad window motors since the last time I had a bad window switch maybe twenty years ago. The thing that's really maddening with a power window or any electrical fault is an intermittent malfunction. I have a vehicle that I bought brand new, and just before it was about to go out of warranty based on time (36 months, it still had only about 15k miles on it) the driver's side power window starting being intermittent. It would stop working sometimes, maybe every few months, but then start working on its own again before I could take it back to dealership for a warranty claim. It always worked and tested ok at the shop, and neither they nor I could ever find the problem. Then a month or even several months later, boom, it temporarily stops working again, but starts working by the time the shop or I could test it. I can find no one online reporting a similar intermittent malfunction with that make and model.

Hi may I ask? The front passenger window of my car cannot be raised or lowered if the driver's window has not been lowered, so if the driver's window is still tightly closed I cannot lower or raise the front passenger window. I've checked the fuse still hasn't blown, I just replaced the window switch recently. Do you know where the problem is?

Any advice on a front passenger windows that goes down but will not go up. Should I replace the switch or is there anything more in-depth that I should look into. Any info you can provide will be greatly appreciated. 2004 Ford Expedition XLT.

K i watch this and I'm going to go figure it out hopefully this weekend I'm busy but I appreciate your help and I will 1A Auto for my parts and of course I have a Ford but I love it

Hardest part about this is finding the wiring values and which wires are what. My wires are different colors and I can’t find the diagram online.

If windows struggling to go up is it a bad motor possibly?

what tool are you using to diagnose? i've fixed a few wires but my jeep still having issues and i think a diagnosis would be best so i know whats wrong and what wires are the bad ones

My switch has about 10 wires soo confusing. It is working 100% from drivers switch but not from the passenger switch. I ordered a new one. Hope it's the problem. Not a wiring issue :(

Hi my window switch is fine motor is fine but only up works when switch is plugged in. So if I unplug it turn one upside down and reconnect with some wire and it goes up. Switch back and go’s up again. How do I fix please

Thank you. Your video is easy to follow and made it easy to diagnose my truck's switch.

What do you think? If the window is balky/slow going up, is it the motor or the regulator?? Thanks!

If it's not the window motor, window switch or 30 amp window fuse. What is it?

Ok I replaced the switches and motor for my passenger side window on my 05 Dodge Neon SXT. I did bring it to a shop where they fix windows but couldn't find anything wrong with the motor or the switches. They said it was a ground wire. Can you make and link me a video on how to find it and fix it??

Cracking video, really useful 👌

Thank you so much! This was so easy to follow! You’re such a time saver! 🤗

my 2003 ml350 drivers window goes down but not up. the motor is working, the switch is working, the glass is in the track. what could be wrong?

I just bought a new window motor lift. I installed it and it worked fine. The next day I used my car and tried to roll it down and it wouldn't work.When i got out of the store i turned my car on and pushed the button to roll down and it worked fine. The last couple of days its been doing the same thing. Sometimes it works fine and sometimes it doesn't at all. I want to figure out what wrong with it before i return the motor i just purchased. Any suggestions?

Seems simple. The passenger window on my 2008 Audi A4 works from the driver side but not the passenger door. Safe to assume that motor and fuse are ok, which would leave a possible broken wire or bad switch. I'll follow the first part of the troubleshooting to see what happens.

I would have checked the wires at the motor first because if those two wires are hot, it means the switch is okay as well. You start at the end and keep working backwards. I think that makes more sense, don't you think? Just a thought. And thanks for everything you do here. And I like your clarity of videos. I think I am going to be needing a motor for my passenger side of 2005 Town and country. I will be ordering from you. Been too lazy to check it. :)

hello, There could also be a bad ground problem, I have a 2000 Honda CRV that I just tested and the switch and wiring is good, and so is the motor but it only goes down when I ground one of the 2 wires going to the motor, I need to know where this wire is supposed to ground because I can't just run a new ground wire cause its the same wire that gets power when the window switch is pushed to bring the window up. any ideas ?

Hi,before i start ripping panel off..let me first ask you this ... i have a 2001 silverado and the driver window still works fine,but when i try to put passenger window down it sounds like a relay clicks inside the passenger door... i am original owner and have never messed with windows.... the passenger window has been used hardly at all,so the track and motor should be in way better shape than the drivers side... i drove this truck just me myself so i know... what could it be ? bad connection? is switch bad on that door? again it sounds like its trying to engage everytime i hit the button on my side or the button on that passenger door... just tell me what you think it is and i will start from there....thanks

If checked the windows from the master switch, wouldn't that have told you also? If it works from the master switch, then its the switch in that door, if not then its the regulator?

Any advice on power windows not going up or down on all 4 doors? I have replaced the switch, fuses, relays, and checked the wiring to see if any were exposed, including inside the rubber boot where it runs from the door to the body with no luck. I would think if it was just a motor or regulator that only one of the windows would not work, but all of them went out at the same time.

HELP!!!! Your videos are great. I love my 1997 4runner Ltd with 240k also. I want keep it runner forever. Can you help me with one issue that I can't solve. My passenger door window only goes down but not up. I have replaced the window motor already but it is still having the same issue. I tried both driver and passenger side buttons, checked the fuse but they both can't bring the window up. Can you give me a few pointers in troubleshooting the issue. Thanks.

I have a 2001 xterra and none of the windows work at any door switch. The fuse has power and on the drivers door main switch panel only the door lock switch works which means there's power going to the swicth panel. Any suggestions on what I should test?

Hey hello I have a problem with a 2014 Jetta with driver side but the problem sometimes it work and sometimes it doesn't can I used this same procedure to check the motor?

Hi..for my 08 mazda 3.. The mechanic did some wire reconnections (grounding?) on the front passenger side to have control over its own window coz the central switch lost control over it. Now that i have bought a new master lock/switch, i'd like to know how i can put the wires of the front passenger side back to its default connection..thank you.

I tried everything i had power in the cables fuses were fine power from the switch to the motor and even tested te motor but when i connected everything it just wouldn't work

If the motor was OK for example, couldn't the problem be after the motor; on the ground side of the circuit? How could you test for that?