It's a warm evening or looking like rain, and you try to roll the vehicle car window down or up, but it won't move.  Manual and electric windows operate by rolling up and down on track rollers.

However, electric car windows may require additional diagnosis, since several issues could be the cause of malfunctioned windows. Follow this guide to troubleshoot a stuck power window on your vehicle.

Prepare to Fix the Power Window

To fix the power window, gather:

  • work gloves
  • flat-blade screwdriver or a flat tool, such as a butter knife
  • voltmeter 
  • replacement fuse (optional)

Push the buttons on each window to determine what windows are functioning. If you hear no sound, the issue may be the lift motor or switch. 

If none of the windows work, it is likely a blown fuse or loose wiring. A slow-moving window or one that hums commonly indicates a motor problem.

When only one window works, or the window hesitates, it could mean a problem with a motor, door switch, or a circuit between the motor and switch. It is helpful to find a diagram of your vehicle's wiring to trace problem wires between the fuse panel and switch and between the switch and the motor.

Test the Power Window Switch and Motor

Inspect the window switch on the inside of the door on the driver's side. When a rear window won't function, check the lock-out switch, which locks all he windows from the driver's side, hasn't been bumped out of place. 

Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the switch, and check for loose or damaged wiring connections. On some models, you may need to remove the door panel. Refer to your manual for specific removal instructions.

Test the wiring with a voltmeter to determine if a current exists, and compare it to the required voltage. No voltage could indicate an issue with a connector between the door switch and fuse panel or a power circuit wire. 

Repeat the voltage test with the motor, noting the voltage in each direction. If the window still doesn't work, the regulator could be malfunctioned.

Check the Fuses

Fuse boxes are commonly located under the dashboard near the steering wheel. Fuses are commonly numbered  to match the corresponding window. Pull out the fuse taking care to not break it, or use a fuse tong from an auto parts store. 

Check the fuse for cloudiness, scorched wires, or loose wiring connections. Replace the fuse with one of the same amperage, or take it to a mechanic, and try the windows again. A higher amperage could start an electrical fire. To avoid any mishaps, contact services like Custom Kar Tops for further assistance.

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