2000 Saturn SC2 Power window works sometimes

[tomhrhr]

I have a 2000 SC2 and the passenger window works sometimes....of course now it is stuck down! It will click when you press the button, but will not come up. The driver side works but goes down slow? Any ideas of what may be going on or how to get the window up?

[jdl]

Check voltage and ground for the passenger side window motor. The wiring harness should go into the door on the hinge side, May have protective rubber boot covering. Pull the boot back to access wires. For the up position, window switch activated, lite blue wire is voltage, tan wire is ground. Check them both. If you have good voltage and ground, suspect the window motor. Usually the driver side window motor goes out first because you use it the most. Could be problem with master switch? i always check voltage grounds before replacing anything.

[Ruley73]

The passenger window working intermittently is most likely a bad power window switch. A new one (Saturn p/n 21024029) can be ordered from an online GM parts sites like GMpartsdirect.com or gmpartsgiant.com for about $100. Or you can go to an auto parts store such as AutoZone and get one for a little more money If you are up to the task, the switch can be disassembled. You may be able to do this and clean up the contacts to salvage the switch.

Although it is not impossible, the wires in the door jamb rarely break in the S-Series. The window motor working in one direction confirms these wires are still good. There are only two wires going to each window motor. The switch simply changes the polarity of these two wires to make the motor operate in either direction (up or down).

What frequently happens is that over time the windows become harder for the window motors to raise & lower due to friction in the guides from lack of lubrication. This increased load causes more power to be drawn through the wires & switch than what is normally necessary. This often causes the contacts to get hot and sometimes melt the plastic spring-loaded pins inside the switch. If this issue is not addressed, eventually these pins will melt to the point that it can no longer move the wavy metal contacts the way it needs to when you go to use the switch.

In a nut shell, remove the outer door panel and lubricate the window guides with some grease (WD40 and the like will not cut it here). Then disassemble & inspect the window switch and clean as necessary or replace the switch altogether.

When taking apart the window switch (after you have removed it from the car - it just pulls out), everything comes out of the bottom. The plastic levers (what you place your fingers on to use the switch) should not be removed and will break if you attempt to do so.

Good Luck

[Ruley73]

Originally Posted by Switch Doctor

Ruley73 have you checked out http://www.switchdoctor.net

I have now. There is nothing for Saturns on that site. so why bother to post it here?