00 Driver's side window won't go down

[db234]

For some time my driver's side window refuses to go down, intermittently. It works for a few days, then it doesn't. When it works it goes down easily(?). So far no problem with it going back up. Other times, nothing. I've thought it was the switch and finally bought a new one a few days ago. Installed the new switch Saturday. No luck. Today, Monday, the window goes up and down OK. The passenger door has not been a problem.

Some time back I looked at the internals but forget what I tried and it didn't help. I ended having to buy a number of trim retainers to put the door cover back.

Looking back at older threads suggests something like this is common.

Driver's side window switch
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=889498

Switch disassembly
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=697221

Removing circuit board in switch
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=737523

Driver side window problem
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=501515

Possible solutions?
a) Replace door switch - done, didn't help
b) Connections at the back of the switch - worth looking at
c) Wiring in door, connection with window motor - more involved and probably will result in damaged trim retainers...
d) Wiring under passenger floor carpet - not sure about this, wiring in driver's door should be enough
e) Lubricate window slide with silicon spray - easy to try but doesn't appear to the problem. The window doesn't move at all or works 'easily'.

Any current thoughts on this problem and my potential solutions?

Thanks

[roadrunner2]

Look forward to buying some more trim clips.

I was lucky when I took the drivers door panel off my '00 Silhouette. I didn't lose any.

The fault may be that there is a bad connection at the window regulator plug.

You'll have to test for continuity here. Activate the switch when testing.

[db234]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

Look forward to buying some more trim clips.

Yes, I've done that once already. About 12. Maybe the newer ones can be re-used.

I was lucky when I took the drivers door panel off my '00 Silhouette. I didn't lose any.

The fault may be that there is a bad connection at the window regulator plug.

You'll have to test for continuity here. Activate the switch when testing.

Thanks, sound like a good place to start

[JabbaTHutt]

I have an 03 montana and the drivers window did the same thing, I poped the panel out of the armwrest , took the plugs off and took the switch apart, it was a little loose, put it back together and its tight and has been fine for a few months now.

[db234]

Originally Posted by JabbaTHutt

I have an 03 montana and the drivers window did the same thing, I poped the panel out of the armwrest , took the plugs off and took the switch apart, it was a little loose, put it back together and its tight and has been fine for a few months now.

Interesting, a new switch didn't help me but maybe it's the connection to the switch. Haven't had a chance to play in that area yet. Maybe tomorrow.

[Blue Bowtie]

Did you get a good look at the switch contacts?

[db234]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

Did you get a good look at the switch contacts?

That doesn't look good. No I haven't got into the old switch. At this point I don't think it is the switch. The new switch has the same symptoms. That is, works some days and not others.

Update: I put a multimeter on the leads coming out of the switch and the wires to the driver's window are active. Interesting, short voltage with a quick push and sustained voltage with a full push (auto down). It looks like the switch and plugs at the switch are OK.

I pulled the side panel but didn't explore much more... I'll leave that for later. I need to explore the other end of the thick brown and thin grey wire. [just checked the circuit diagram in my Haynes manual] Aaah, looks like I checked the wrong wires. Brown and Dark Blue go the window motor. Of course, I saw the brown / dark blue going into the motor ;-) but didn't check voltage at those leads. I'll check the voltage out of the brown / dark blue wires out of the switch since that is easy, leave inside the door (again) for later.

Another update: Voltage across the thick brown and dark blue went positive with a push and negative for a pull. No sustained voltage though?? [BTW the thin grey wire goes to the illumination lamps]

A friend has said motors can get a dead spot on them, that is they don't start up if on these spots. My guess, if the wires show voltage is that I need a new motor?

Any thoughts.

[roadrunner2]

db,
Pull the motor/regulator clear of the window and activate the up/down window switch.

If the gears go both directions then there is nothing wrong with the motor/regulator.

[db234]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

db,
Pull the motor/regulator clear of the window and activate the up/down window switch.

If the gears go both directions then there is nothing wrong with the motor/regulator.

You mean take the motor off the regulator? Taking the regulator (= the machinery that moves the glass using the motor?) off seems to require a special tool. I think checking the connections to the motor is first, but you are right seeing if the motor reacts would be a good next step.

[roadrunner2]

Originally Posted by db234

You mean take the motor off the regulator? Taking the regulator (= the machinery that moves the glass using the motor?) off seems to require a special tool. I think checking the connections to the motor is first, but you are right seeing if the motor reacts would be a good next step.

Dang! I made out a post and got screwed up with logging in somehow so we'll try again.

Much shorter post this time though.

Yes, I pried the motor out with a small screwdriver (carefully).

Activated the switch and it only cranked one way, hmmmmm.

I used a jumper wire direct from the battery to the motor and it worked both directions. So, it's not the motor.
I pressed the motor back into place while moving the regulator up and down to engage the gears.

Off to the recycler and 3 switches later had it working again.

I see you said you have replaced the switch already eh?

[db234]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

Dang! I made out a post and got screwed up with logging in somehow so we'll try again.

Much shorter post this time though.

Yes, I pried the motor out with a small screwdriver (carefully).

Activated the switch and it only cranked one way, hmmmmm.

I used a jumper wire direct from the battery to the motor and it worked both directions. So, it's not the motor.
I pressed the motor back into place while moving the regulator up and down to engage the gears.

Off to the recycler and 3 switches later had it working again.

I see you said you have replaced the switch already eh?

Yes, I think the old switch was probably OK. I see 1A Auto has the motor at a reasonable price but I will check the wiring to the motor and the motor itself before replacing (this time - i.e. didn't really check the switch before replacing ;-)

The motor comes off will only a little prying, the Haynes manual doesn't seem to talk about just the motor. It'll probably be next weekend before I can get to it though. RR2, thanks for the info and suggestions.

[roadrunner2]

db,
Keep an eye on the window regulator if you take the motor out as the window MAY slide down.

My problem was opposite of yours so I used my Vise-grips to clamp off the regulator in the door to hold it up.

[roadrunner2]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

db,
Keep an eye on the window regulator if you take the motor out as the window MAY slide down.

My problem was opposite of yours so I used my Vise-grips to clamp off the regulator in the door to hold it up.

(Strange the Edit button doesn't work)

Anyway, to add: the window motor on my '00 Silo was held in place with 4 plastic pressure clips. This time of year (depending where you are) they may be brittle so use care as you'll have to release 2 at the same time to remove the motor.

[db234]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

(Strange the Edit button doesn't work)

Anyway, to add: the window motor on my '00 Silo was held in place with 4 plastic pressure clips. This time of year (depending where you are) they may be brittle so use care as you'll have to release 2 at the same time to remove the motor.

Thanks for the suggestions about the regulator and the clips. Old and cold, the clips, could be quite brittle.

[463]

and my drivers window switch contacts had a little stone in the contacts that prevented the up fuction from working.