Driver window has a ghost

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triumph3

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Driver window goes all the way down untouched and random while driving. I've cleaned switch contacts and checked the wire harness in the door. Appears fine. I had the windshield resealed for another issue a few years ago. Spot on advice from this forum. I have become an expert at removing the door panel and switch controls. I'm thinking this may still be a moisture issue and may be somewhere in the cabin. Any ideas or theories would be most appreciated.
 

Skauber

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It could be anything. First thing I'd do is to unplug the window switch and see if it happens again when it's unplugged. Does it happen regularly or just on rare occasions?
 
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I know that most newer vehicles with power windows have a "pinch guard" feature that will automatically open the window if there is enough resistance against it. I don't know the specifics of how it works but it could be that your window glass is too snug against the top and if you hit a bump it activates.
 

Skauber

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I believe that only applies to power windows with a automatic up function, the Expy only has automatic down, not up and does not have a feature like that. Which is a little funny, since my '98 Peugeot 406 I had a few years ago did have a feature like that with automatic up.. :)
 

1955moose

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You might pull panel again, move wires to window motor/switch back and forth, side to side. Do the same with gem wires. See if you can duplicate problem. When my 2000 expy got water in gem, windows either wouldn't go up or down depending on position they were in. Also pull plug to window motor shake out any moisture if any, squirt in some dielectric grease in there. Sounds like your getting a short somewhere along the window path. Also pull fuse/relay. Check for any rust or corrosion there. Keep us posted as always, this will help if someone else has similar issue.


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triumph3

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Sometimes this happens as soon as the truck starts and other times minutes later. I just changed out the switch module and the window still goes down untouched. I am baffled by this.
 

1955moose

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Try disconnecting window switch, or swapping with another one on door panel, if you suspect switch. Usually when a window switch goes bad, you get no window down. Try moving wires from switch module see if it will act up. How do pins that go to module look?


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stamp11127

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The master window switch has a direct output to the window motor. Disconnecting the plug will stop the motor from operating entirely so that really isn't a solution.

According to the wiring diagram the switch contains a microprocessor that I'm going to assume controls the auto down feature and the polarity.

If the new switch was sourced from the junk yard it may also have the same problem as your original. Please let us know if the switch was new or used.
 
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1955moose

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Can he swap with one if the other switches to eliminate that part of the equation?


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stamp11127

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Nope, the master switch has controls for all the windows. I would post the diagram BUT THE 100K LIMIT for attachments is restrictive.
 
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1955moose

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What do you think his problem is? I don't have schematics like you and bedrck 47 have, so I have to shoot from the hip sometimes and my 40 years of monkeying with cars and trucks!


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1955moose

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He may have to bite the bullet and buy a new switch from dealer if he hasn't already. Can his old switch be tested in the conventional way?


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1955moose

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His switch test should be probe back of switch key on , power to positive lead, then flip switch, power light to other lead. Same on motor on door. Is their anything different since he has microprocessor involved in circuit?


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stamp11127

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He can test the switch just by raising and lowering the window. In order to determine if the switch is causing a signal to the microprocessor he would need to add in a method of monitoring the input from the switch to the processor - if it is possible.
 

1955moose

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Where is his microprocessor located on this vehicle?


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triumph3

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I put in a new switch that I bought on ebay. The same issue continued. I have a solid problem solving skill with most car issues. This one is blowing my mind, though my friends would say that happened in the 80's. I appreciate all your ideas and will plow through them until its fixed. When it is, I will post it.
 
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triumph3

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I've tried a new switch -ebay switch was used. The ghost is still here. I think there is a moisture issue in the cabin. I had the windshield resealed when I bought the truck. Water was shorting the control modular and that issue was resolved. Now the floor mats get damp. Is there a area in the cabin I should concentrate on to find this ghost, I've looked every where and no moisture to be seen?
 
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