Window Problem
cruiser69
03-02-2006, 12:58 PM
I have a '02 GP and the driver's window is not working. It will not go down when it is warm out. If it is cold it works just fine. All the other windows work fine from the driver's panel. I have tried contact cleaner on the switch, but it did not help. I can hear the switch clicking when I push down on it. When the window works it does not run slower than normal. How do I figure out if it is the switch or motor that is bad? Does anyone know why it works when it is cold out?
BNaylor
03-02-2006, 01:22 PM
Sounds like you need to check out the window motor & regulator. Here is a procedure to remove the door panel, inspect and repair:
http://rmcgp.clubgp.com/windowmotor.html
http://rmcgp.clubgp.com/windowmotor.html
jimmyv-21
03-02-2006, 04:27 PM
the reason it works when it is cold and not hot is the solder joints. the joints expand and contract with temp changes. most electrical solders go out in the summer for this reason. cold causes the solder to contract, heat causes expansion. thus the connections are not as good in the summer. i am not sure where the joints would be that work in conjucntion with the window switch, perhaps on the switch itself. maybe someone else here can contribute. just my .02!
BNaylor
03-02-2006, 05:43 PM
the reason it works when it is cold and not hot is the solder joints. the joints expand and contract with temp changes. most electrical solders go out in the summer for this reason. cold causes the solder to contract, heat causes expansion. thus the connections are not as good in the summer. i am not sure where the joints would be that work in conjucntion with the window switch, perhaps on the switch itself. maybe someone else here can contribute. just my .02!
All GM power window motors have an automatic resetting solid state device called a PTC. Positive Temperatue Coefficient. It is basically a circuit breaker in the form of a thermistor (thermal resistor). The thermistor increases resistance as the temperature increases and vice versa as the temperature decreases. A PTC is used to protect the power window motor in the event of binding, high current draw, etc.
If he follows the procedure in step 5 of my link, it has an easy troubleshooting procedure. Don't even need a mulitmeter although one does come in handy for this type of circuit.
I had a bad motor on the right rear passenger side window about three years ago that would work intermittently depending on the outside temperature. Replacement fixed it because the PTC is part of the drive motor.
The two most common failure items in a Grand Prix power window is the respective switch or the drive motor.
Just my two cents worth. :2cents:
All GM power window motors have an automatic resetting solid state device called a PTC. Positive Temperatue Coefficient. It is basically a circuit breaker in the form of a thermistor (thermal resistor). The thermistor increases resistance as the temperature increases and vice versa as the temperature decreases. A PTC is used to protect the power window motor in the event of binding, high current draw, etc.
If he follows the procedure in step 5 of my link, it has an easy troubleshooting procedure. Don't even need a mulitmeter although one does come in handy for this type of circuit.
I had a bad motor on the right rear passenger side window about three years ago that would work intermittently depending on the outside temperature. Replacement fixed it because the PTC is part of the drive motor.
The two most common failure items in a Grand Prix power window is the respective switch or the drive motor.
Just my two cents worth. :2cents:
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