power window problem

[accuab]

I have a problem with my power windows that just doesn't make sense. I have a 2002 GT. The past few days the passenger side front and rear windows don't work from either the driver's control or the corresponding door, but the drivers side works fine. If its cool outside during the morning or late night they seem to work but don't in the heat of the day. But they will always work again at some point. This is not the first time this has happened so its not a new problem. But I would like to know what is causing this to happen. I know its not a normal thing to be happening. Any ideas?

[deb0704us]

I had similar problems with my 1998 Grand Prix GT. I took it in for an oil change. I didn't know they had to roll the window down to perform an oil change! They rolled the window down, and it wouldn't go back up. They worked on it awhile, and got it up so I could drive home in the rain! I finally had them replace the master switch for the windows, and all the window problems went away. It was about a year ago, and it cost $178 for parts and labor at a non-dealership mechanic. I hope this helps. Good luck!

[Jatala]

Yea, my back windows are similar. On our 2001 GP they would roll down when ever they felt like it. Now one rolls down usually and the other will not. Every once in a blue moon will it go down. I wonder where that master window switch is located?

[deb0704us]

It's located in the driver's side front door. It's the unit with the 4 window buttons on it, and I believe there was a Lock Out button on there too. It is all one unit.

[Jatala]

Oh, wow of coarse. I was thinking a separate switch located somewhere else that relayed them all together. I guess technically that is what that one does! You can go ahead and give me a "here's your sign".

[Christ]

here's your sign...

$178 for parts and labor is redix... $40 for a new switch, 20 mins on your own to change it... you just pull off the door panel, or in some cases, just the handle section, and change the switch... don't have a door panel tool?

Pull one of the center tines off a fork, slide the fork around the door panel retainers, and pull.

[accuab]

Okay so I'm thinking the master switch may be my problem from reading a lot of past articles on window problems. Is there any way I can make sure that it is the problem. If it isn't it is only wasting like 60 dollars. I've found it for like 45 plus like 8 shipping for a brand new part, but I'd not like to waste it if that's not the problem. Any ideas are appreciated.

[Christ]

Get a wiring schematic, figure out the wire colors that actuate the windows, and use jumpers in the wire clip that you remove from the switch... there should be 3 wires per window that you focus on, up/down/ground.

Jumper down to ground, window goes down.. jumper up to ground, window goes up.

'nuff said.

If that works better than the switch does, it's the switch.... if it's still stupid, it's probably the motors.

[accuab]

Okay. So now I've done the clean up method on the master switch so I have ruled out the master. If either the master or the door switch it depressed on either the passenger front or back they still don't work. The driver's side works like a champ. When the button is depressed on the master or the door, I can hear a click inside the door. Its almost like something is attempting to move but just can't. The car sat for a awhile and the windows weren't rolled down for a while. They worked good prior to this point. Honestly I don't want to have to pull the door panels unless I know its either the regulator or the motor. It just seems weird that two doors could go out at exactly the same time. Please help.

[accuab]

Okay. So I've taken one of the doors apart and removed the motor from the regulator and found that the motor will work. I even found that the motor could lower and raise the window but seems to get to a certain spot that cause the regulator to start binding up. I'm thinking I can lube everthing and solve the problem. I was wondering if anyone else had ran into this particular problem. The motor and the regulator are in good shape except in the particular spot.

[Christ]

clean everything up and lube it well with some lithium (white) grease... bearing grease works well too, but don't get it on your seats.. it never comes out.

[accuab]

Thanks for the help guys. I had picked up some white lithium grease before I even saw your reply. I greased every part of the regulator that had any movement whatsoever. The end result - both windows now work like brand new. I'm gonna go ahead and replace the factory 5.25's in the front while I've got the panel off one of them.

[Christ]

good good, glad to be of assistance, and happy motoring.