help...driver's window stuck in the down position

[jodyg]

I need a little help....

On the way home today, I had the driver's window down(electric). When I got home it let up only about half way and the switch started smoking. I think the switch must be bad, but I suppose the motor could be bad again?? I just replaced it about 5 months ago. If the switch is bad, is there a way to bypass it to get the window back up? Is there a way to test if the motor or switch is bad? Thanks in advance.

Jody

[redws6]

it sounds like the switch. i dont think there to expsensive. try that first and if its not that then i would think its the motor.

[Copernicus]

Kinda unrelated but this past Sunday I tried to roll my window up and it went about 3 inches then stopped. I waited a moment and pushed it up again and got another inch before it stopped. I would wait about 10 seconds and then be able to coax an inch or so out of the motor after each pause. However ever since the window goes up and down like normal. Crossed wire or just a finicky motor?

[Christopherrr]

Kinda unrelated but this past Sunday I tried to roll my window up and it went about 3 inches then stopped. I waited a moment and pushed it up again and got another inch before it stopped. I would wait about 10 seconds and then be able to coax an inch or so out of the motor after each pause. However ever since the window goes up and down like normal. Crossed wire or just a finicky motor?

Motor is going out...

On the way home today, I had the driver's window down(electric). When I got home it let up only about half way and the switch started smoking. I think the switch must be bad, but I suppose the motor could be bad again?? I just replaced it about 5 months ago. If the switch is bad, is there a way to bypass it to get the window back up? Is there a way to test if the motor or switch is bad? Thanks in advance.

not sure if it'll work but as a temp issue to just get your window up, see if you can't us the switch on the passenger side. the connector on the bottom side might be different.

[redws6]

yeh i jsut replaced the pass side motor. it would go up, and then stop, theni would have to wait 10 min and then try again. but now its all better.

[Maverick_82]

I need a little help....

On the way home today, I had the driver's window down(electric). When I got home it let up only about half way and the switch started smoking. I think the switch must be bad, but I suppose the motor could be bad again?? I just replaced it about 5 months ago. If the switch is bad, is there a way to bypass it to get the window back up? Is there a way to test if the motor or switch is bad? Thanks in advance.

Jody

I know the problem. The brushes are going bad in your window lift motor. A new one at advance auto parts will be $44.94, and comes with a lifetime replacement warranty ; they keep them in stock. There's no real serial numbers you need to remember and the year of the car doesn't matter, GM never really changed the design, and the same motor will work on either sidedoor. The trick is replacing it. There's a spring loaded mechanism in the door with enough tension on it for you to lose a finger, repair manuals advice you to have the job done by someone who's done it before. A temporary fix is that sometimes opening and slaming shut your car door should get the brushes working enough to roll up the window, this will only work so many times.

To test the switch:
It is held in by tabs. When you remove it simply use a voltmeter on the connections, while the key is turned to accessories, and look at the meter as you use the up and down on the power window switch. If there is activity then the switch is good.

If you want to know more, i can post the testing and repairing procedures for you this afternoon. I hope this helps.

[TraceZ]

I know the problem. The brushes are going bad in your window lift motor. A new one at advance auto parts will be $44.94, and comes with a lifetime replacement warranty ; they keep them in stock. There's no real serial numbers you need to remember and the year of the car doesn't matter, GM never really changed the design, and the same motor will work on either sidedoor. The trick is replacing it. There's a spring loaded mechanism in the door with enough tension on it for you to lose a finger, repair manuals advice you to have the job done by someone who's done it before. A temporary fix is that sometimes opening and slaming shut your car door should get the brushes working enough to roll up the window, this will only work so many times.

To test the switch:
It is held in by tabs. When you remove it simply use a voltmeter on the connections, while the key is turned to accessories, and look at the meter as you use the up and down on the power window switch. If there is activity then the switch is good.

If you want to know more, i can post the testing and repairing procedures for you this afternoon. I hope this helps.

Would a bad motor cause the switch to smoke? That sounds more like a bad switch. And, by the way, if the drivers side switch is unplugged or broken the passenger side switch won't work. The circuit would be open due to the failed/missing switch.

[alenstein]

I replaced my switch only $15 , give it a try before you go ripping the motor out.

[jodyg]

Thanks guys. I really hope it's just the switch...I ordered a new one today for $15.99. It will be here after lunch tomorrow and I'll post again to let you know if that works.

[jodyg]

It was the switch.

[alenstein]

Alright !

[Maverick_82]

i dont know if you would want to, but it wouldn't take much to convert power windows to manual.