Alero power window problem...

[Corynet9]

I have a 99 Alero with the drivers side window only working "when it wants to" so to speak. I took my car to a repair guy about two weeks ago to have it looked at and to confirm that the window motor had died. The guy checked the switch..did some tests and said that the motor was indeed dead and would have to be replaced. The day after it stopped working I said what the hell and tried the switch and sure as heck the window rolled down. That night I tried it again and it was dead again. Well now here it is two weeks later and I go out driving and it starts raining... I acidentally hit the drivers side window switch and it rolls down again. What in the heck is going on here! When it doesnt want to work I hit the switch and I hear a clicking noise... like it wants to work. Anyone have any ideas on this strange problem? Could moisture be the problem? Could it be a fuse? Wiring problem? Ahhhhh im out of ideas!

[sarge_man]

Originally Posted by Corynet9

I have a 99 Alero with the drivers side window only working "when it wants to" so to speak. I took my car to a repair guy about two weeks ago to have it looked at and to confirm that the window motor had died. The guy checked the switch..did some tests and said that the motor was indeed dead and would have to be replaced. The day after it stopped working I said what the hell and tried the switch and sure as heck the window rolled down. That night I tried it again and it was dead again. Well now here it is two weeks later and I go out driving and it starts raining... I acidentally hit the drivers side window switch and it rolls down again. What in the heck is going on here! When it doesnt want to work I hit the switch and I hear a clicking noise... like it wants to work. Anyone have any ideas on this strange problem? Could moisture be the problem? Could it be a fuse? Wiring problem? Ahhhhh im out of ideas!

I have the EXACT same problem, anyone with a solution before i go out wasting money on something that i dont need to?

[GTP Dad]

Start by pulling the switches out of the door and replace them with one that you know works. This sounds like the switch is going bad and is only making intermittant contact. When it rains there is a possibility that the switch is getting damp and it is making a connection. It is also possible that the motor has some problem that is affected in the same fashion. After trying the switch change out if that does not work I would pull the door panel and check the wiring for corrosion. A corroded connection will often work if it gets wet. Although not common it is possible. Good Luck to both of you!

[Scottman72]

These window motors ( and regulators, window clips ) are notorios for breaking. The motors will work intermitently until they fail completly. Thats why sometimes the window will go down and sometimes it wont. When the mechanic said" the motor was dead", he should have said the motor needs replaced. Saying it was dead led you to believe it was never going to work again, but since it is an intermitent failure your window suddenly started working ( probably from hitting a bump or shutting the door hard ) and jarred the motor back to life temporarily. This has created the confusion about your window. The motor comes as an assembly with the regulator, which is a good thing because the regulator would probably be the next thing to go.

[GTP Dad]

If you find the motor is bad then I would check e-bay or car-part.com for another one. You will pay an arm and a leg for one at the dealer.

[d.loehrke]

Originally Posted by Corynet9

I have a 99 Alero with the drivers side window only working "when it wants to" so to speak. I took my car to a repair guy about two weeks ago to have it looked at and to confirm that the window motor had died. The guy checked the switch..did some tests and said that the motor was indeed dead and would have to be replaced. The day after it stopped working I said what the hell and tried the switch and sure as heck the window rolled down. That night I tried it again and it was dead again. Well now here it is two weeks later and I go out driving and it starts raining... I acidentally hit the drivers side window switch and it rolls down again. What in the heck is going on here! When it doesnt want to work I hit the switch and I hear a clicking noise... like it wants to work. Anyone have any ideas on this strange problem? Could moisture be the problem? Could it be a fuse? Wiring problem? Ahhhhh im out of ideas!

I have a problem along these lines also. The window goes up fine. Down I usually have to press "UP" twice, then it will go down. Sometimes it works fine. My theory is moisture in the switch, because it does get wet when the door is opened in the rain--no channels over doors to divert water. Anyone else dealt with this?

[Master01]

I would be more inclined to check the wires coming from the firewall to the door in the door jamb area. If you want to cut the boot in half and check the wires there. I would bet that the power wire or someother wire is about to break or is broke and is making intermintent contact. Just something else to think about. You should check the switches if they are getting power when you are having the problem, then it could varify the doom jamb senario.

[LifeIsPain]

I'm not surprised. I have a 2000 Alero and I just replaced my passenger side rear window motor. I've now replaced all 4 (2 were under Warrenty and 2 were not). These motors are obviously pieces of junk. I hope the replacements last longer than the originals.