96 Subrbn Elec Window Works Sometimes...Not

[stb100]

Hey, THANKS in advance for any help.
Problem: Drivers side window works --and then won't. Has done this from time to time for months. Will work fine for long period then won't. Always dies closed -- which could be worse. Push the down button and nothing happens. Hold down and it clicks softly. But not always.

Solution: ?? -- What's worked in past has been to rock switch back/forth a lot and maybe pull down on glass. Eventually it works.

But not this time. Pulled module out of door trim to make sure connections are snug (like always). Sprayed some contact assist. Can't hear the click anymore when button held. All other windows are OK.

No sound or other bad juju coming from motor assembly, as has happened on my Dodge van, etc. Either silence or the clicking (which is no more).

ANY IDEAS??

--Steve

[brcidd]

Grab and wiggle the rubber conduit in the door jamb when this happens- hold the window button as well- could be a broken wire in that conduit- have seen it a lot on Astro vans-- it is always the driver's door- because that is the one that is used the most

[Q-Bert]

motor is old and weak?
window regulator failing/binding?
click means you are drawing power. Any window should make a soft "click" when it reaches it's limit and you keep pressing the switch. Try it and see if the sound is the same.

[stb100]

Thanks
Tried the "wiggle" thing, but no luck. Dunno about motor status though when it works, it's strong and not acting weird...Regulator...? have replaced a few in Dodge vans, etc and gut feeling is that's not it (could be wrong!)
Pried out and pulled apart the master switch and gave it a good contact spray. No luck. Might be the cheapest thing to replace tho. ANY thoughts on likelihood of that being the culprit. THANKS!

--Steve

[stb100]

BTW, brcidd....

I had a '74 Vega and yes, that car is gone and -- in my experience -- better off forgotten. Bright '70s orange and prone to wheels falling off at inconvenient times

[j cAT]

).

ANY IDEAS??

--Steve[/quote]

get volt meter and find out if its the switch or window motor or possibly the wiring...find out where you lose power/ground etc...

since it is a 1996 I'm guessing its the switch...seen many this age with bad driver side switches...use meter to be sure..

[stb100]

Thanks. Couldn't get a read with meter.
But soaked switch w contact cleaner. Left overnite, came back to check again this AM and... it worked. ( !! )

Dealer wants $180 for new one, ebay had one from $29 to $65. So looks like if contact goes bad again, time for a new switch.

THANKS for the input