'98 Camry power windows not working?

[onceagen]

Dear All,

During the winter I more than once was faced with '98 Camry power windows that wouldn't go back up. It turns out that the car battery needed replacement. I put in a new battery and the windows have been fine ever since. Hope this might help someone with problem windows or to recognize a bettery that's on the way out. Ed

[somick]

Thanks for posting. It may help somebody!

Sam

[khai_kohokoho]

Hey !!
I have a 96 camry. Its driver side power windows does not go back up as yours. Could this really be the battery problem ? Coz' everything else which requires battery works very well. is there any other solution you know ?

[Mike Gerber]

If the passenger side windows work normally, then the battery is not your problem. You could have a blown fuse, a bad power window switch, a defective power window motor and/or regulator, or even a wiring problem in the harness leading in to the front driver's door. You have to do some testing to figure out which of these items are causing your problem. If you are not familiar with how to check these systems out, you will probably be best served to leave this to a professional.

Mike

[khai_kohokoho]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

If the passenger side windows work normally, then the battery is not your problem. You could have a blown fuse, a bad power window switch, a defective power window motor and/or regulator, or even a wiring problem in the harness leading in to the front driver's door. You have to do some testing to figure out which of these items are causing your problem. If you are not familiar with how to check these systems out, you will probably be best served to leave this to a professional.

Mike

i too think that it's not a battery problem. will try to take it to a professional. one more question. is there different motors for each of the four windows or only one motor in the switch panel controls all four windows? how much could a motor and/or a switch panel cost (in a junkyard) ????

thanks !

[Mike Gerber]

Each window has it's own motor and regulator. Prices will really vary depending on whether you go with Toyota OEM (most expensive) or aftermarket. Aftermarket prices can also vary a great deal. Some people use online sources for parts like Rockauto.com or even Ebay; but you usually have to be able to do the work yourself to take advantage of those places. Independent shops want to furnish their own parts for 2 reasons; 1. They make a profit on the parts and 2. They have to be able to guarantee their work, because if it comes back they have to do the job again for free.

Mike

[superdesi]

I've got the same problem on a 1997 Camry. Door locks work fine. However, the power windows do not work from the Driver's Side Master Window Switch and also do not work from the switch at each window.

I don't think the battery is the problem since it starts up fine. I think it more probably a fuse.........but I just can't find out which one.

None of the windows work.

[khai_kohokoho]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

Each window has it's own motor and regulator. Prices will really vary depending on whether you go with Toyota OEM (most expensive) or aftermarket. Aftermarket prices can also vary a great deal. Some people use online sources for parts like Rockauto.com or even Ebay; but you usually have to be able to do the work yourself to take advantage of those places. Independent shops want to furnish their own parts for 2 reasons; 1. They make a profit on the parts and 2. They have to be able to guarantee their work, because if it comes back they have to do the job again for free.

Mike

I recently changed the interior and exterior door handles of driver's door (they were broken), and inter. handle of rear passenger side. read instruction over the internet. took a bit time but was really satisfied. I feel I can change the motor too. I'm looking for some cheap window motors(junkyards and ebay).

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by khai_kohokoho

I recently changed the interior and exterior door handles of driver's door (they were broken), and inter. handle of rear passenger side. read instruction over the internet. took a bit time but was really satisfied. I feel I can change the motor too. I'm looking for some cheap window motors(junkyards and ebay).

I'm not a big fan of junkyard electrical parts, especially when there is quite a bit labor involved in installing them. Once again, I would stick with your local parts store, RockAuto.com or ebay.

Good luck.

Mike

[jdmccright]

I've gotten new window regulators with motor for about $65 from eBay. Just double check that it isn't the driver's door wiring harness. All that flexing from opening and closing can fatigue the wires inside the loom. Sometimes you can pinch and roll the rubber sleeve between your fingers to get intermittent contact...try different door positions too. Good luck!

[james11109]

I have a 96 camry, the driver side window had a similar problem 3 years ago,
it could not go up/down occasionally during winter time. Finally, I solved
the problem by replace a new regulator, which cost CN$90.

I also did some research on the old parts, opened the motor, I fund that the
actual problem is caused by the lubricant oil covered on the electric terminals,
it make a high resistance on the current inside the motor. After cleaning the dirty lubricant oil, and putted the motor back, the regulator was work well.
due to the store had no return policy, I am now still use the new one in my car, but I still keep the old regulator with me.

[ice745]

If you're doing the work yourself and already have the door panel off, you may as well throw some lubricant on the track. I believe I've heard of people using graphite, but I just used petroleum jelly and it worked great for me. You can tell it makes a difference and helps the motor move the window easier. Lubing the track probably won't fix a completely stuck window (that's probably a dead motor or switch), but it's definitely helpful if the window is draining too much power.

[wvbotanybabe]

Here's an interesting problem:

I have not had trouble with the windows on my 1998 camry le until today. Last night, my boyfriend left the driver's window down and it rained in the car all night. When I started the car and rolled the window up, no problem. About 30 seconds later, however, the window rolled itself all the way down. I rolled it up, it rolled down. This has gone on all day. All the other windows work fine. I am thinking a short in the switch, but beyond that does anyone have suggestions?

[veedubmechanic]

Rain probably got on the switch on the open window and is shorting it.
You have to pop the switch off and blow it dry and get some electrical contact cleaner and spray the connector off good.

[auto trainy]

Be very careful when using contact cleaners (some don't like plastic).