1999 Buick Century Custom

[LadySmith]

We just got a 99 Buick Century Custom and the power windows doesn't work. Also, the fan only works on high.

So, any ideas? Fuses? Wiring? Relays?

Any help appreciated.

Thanks!

[GTP Dad]

The windows are anyone's guess without doing some diagnosis. As for the blower motor the blower motor resistor is bad and needs replaced. It should be located under the dash next to the fan motor. A $45 part at a dealer.

[richtazz]

If all 4 windows are inop I would say it's either the master switch (as power to all windows goes through it) or the wires running from the car to the driver's door (with age they will break from being constantly flexed as the door is opened and closed), but as GTP Dad stated, it's hard to guess without looking into it.

I agree with him also on the blower motor issue being a bad resistor, as that's a very common problem with these cars.

[LadySmith]

Hubby's almost done with the LIM project on this car. Next, he'll be checking into the windows and the resistor for the fan.

So, what would be the next steps to take as to diagnosing the window issue. I guess first would be the check and make sure it's all 4 windows? Then, I guess check fuses and such as that to rule that out? Then, what? Take the door panel off and look into the wiring?

Does anyone have a diagram or anything to share as to the window wiring, where the master switch is and such? Oh, and what about the fuse and relay locations? Where are all the fuses and relays and such in this car? I know there's one under the hood left side. I'm assuming there's one on the driver's side kick panel. What about the passenger side? Any diagram as to what fuse/relay/circuit breaker controls what?

Thanks in advance!

[LadySmith]

OK, hubby just told me something about the person that had the car before may have taken out the fuse or something -- that they weren't inoperable and have cardboard and stuff wedged in there with the windows up...maybe something about them getting off track or something? He hasn't checked it out yet.

But, I think I remember reading something about some sort of mechanism in the door panel about the window track or something. So, from what I understand, they got the windows back up, put the cardboard in to keep them from falling down in there and pulled the power to it so that no one would try to let them down. This is something hubby's gonna have to check out.

But, any suggestions or can anyone point me in the right direction as to where I may have read about this somewhere on here?

[richtazz]

From what your'e saying, taking the door pad off is only option to determine your window issue. Any decent repair manual will have a wiring diagram in the back that will tell you what color wires do what going through the door jamb to the door.

That being said, your car has cable operated power window assemblies. These are a known issue as well, and the cables either break or jump off their guides. This in turn causes the window to stop operating, and can cause them to fall into the door if the cables are broke. There is an aftermarket version made by Dorman that are significantly cheaper than the OEM GM ones from the dealer if you need them. Heres the part numbers:

driver side front= 741-637
pass side front= 741-638
driver side rear= 741-710
pass side rear= 741-709

[LadySmith]

Originally Posted by richtazz

From what your'e saying, taking the door pad off is only option to determine your window issue. Any decent repair manual will have a wiring diagram in the back that will tell you what color wires do what going through the door jamb to the door.

That being said, your car has cable operated power window assemblies. These are a known issue as well, and the cables either break or jump off their guides. This in turn causes the window to stop operating, and can cause them to fall into the door if the cables are broke. There is an aftermarket version made by Dorman that are significantly cheaper than the OEM GM ones from the dealer if you need them. Heres the part numbers:

driver side front= 741-637
pass side front= 741-638
driver side rear= 741-710
pass side rear= 741-709

Are those part #s GM or the Dorman ones? Also, what exactly are they called...cable operated power window assemblies?

And yes, I think that's what hubby was talking about....that the cable is broken and something about you have to buy the whole thing that comes with the motor and all (I guess that's the assembly).

[LadySmith]

Originally Posted by LadySmith

Are those part #s GM or the Dorman ones? Also, what exactly are they called...cable operated power window assemblies?

And yes, I think that's what hubby was talking about....that the cable is broken and something about you have to buy the whole thing that comes with the motor and all (I guess that's the assembly).

OK, my hubby knows that it needs the front driver's side and he's gonna check the rest of them. I found those part numbers on the Dorman Products website.

I'll have to check around and try to get the best price...possibly with a warranty since these are known for breaking.

Thanks!

[LadySmith]

Hubby bought the front two regulators and we'll get the other ones later.


He put in the driver's side for now and still the window isn't working. It wasn't wasted money on the regulator because it was broken, but there's another problem besides the regulator.

The window lock thingy is broken off the switch if that makes any difference.

Where are all the fuse boxes in this car? We found one under the hood...the fuse and relay center and we found one under at the side of the passenger side dash. The only labeling we saw was a circuit breaker for the windows.

He checked the wires going to the master switch with a test light and it's getting power to it, although, he did say that they look corroded.

[LadySmith]

OK, hubby messed with the wiring going from the car to the door in that boot several times and still it wasn't working. So, we bought a master switch. Well, it still didn't work. He kept on and on messing with the wires and way up in there noticed a plug felt loose. He kept pushing on it and when he would, it would make a connection and light up the switch and the windows would work. He got it out where he could access it and inspected it and noticed one of the little pins kinda burned. He's gonna clean it real good tomorrow and hopefully that will fix it.

It would still be helpful if anyone has the fuse/relay diagram for this car.

Originally Posted by LadySmith

Hubby bought the front two regulators and we'll get the other ones later.


He put in the driver's side for now and still the window isn't working. It wasn't wasted money on the regulator because it was broken, but there's another problem besides the regulator.

The window lock thingy is broken off the switch if that makes any difference.

Where are all the fuse boxes in this car? We found one under the hood...the fuse and relay center and we found one under at the side of the passenger side dash. The only labeling we saw was a circuit breaker for the windows.

He checked the wires going to the master switch with a test light and it's getting power to it, although, he did say that they look corroded.