mystery switch problem?

[simbre]

'03 exp, drivers door window control switch for left rear window quit working. I could still operate the left rear window using the left rear window switch. That led me to believe the drivers window control switch was the problem. However, yesterday the left rear window switch stopped working (and the window was locked all the way down). Now, that seems a mystery to me. Does that mean two switches have gone out? drivers side and left rear? Or, is there something else going on here. I have the door panel disassembled. I cannot hear anything at all when i press either switch, nothing from the regulator motor.
Prior to buying a new regulator and motor or new switch does anyone have any suggestions? anything to help me pinpoint my problem?
thanks for any help.

 

[bedrck46]

try pressing the switch very hard and kind of wiggle it when pushing also you may want to try spraying the switch with some electronic cleaner

 

[bedrck46]

you could also try running a 12 volt line to the motor just to test it If you can read and understand electricial prints let me know and I can send you a copy of the switch circuit

 

[simbre]

Thanks for the quick reply. I did try the wiggle and twisting technique on the rear left switch but no luck. I can try the 12 volt directly to the motor. On top of the motor is a simple plug. I have unplugged this and there are two blade connectors remaining on the motor end. Do i merely hook my 12 volt supply to those two blades?

 

[bedrck46]

The motor is a reversing motor so you would need to put +12 V on one post and ground the other post then reverse the leads and the motor will reverse

 

[simbre]

Forgive this rookie question: when you say ground one post. Do you mean take a wire lead and put one end on the plug blade and other end on a ground such as a bolt on door frame? In other words, do not use the positive & negative wires from my 12 v source straight to the blades?
I should run the positive 12 v lead straight from battery to the plug blade and take a separate wire lead and run it not from the 12 v battery but, hook that separate wire lead onto the other plug blade and run it to a ground source such as a bolt in door frame? Do not connect the 2nd wire to the battery?

Sorry if this sounds confusing but i just want to make sure. tks

 

[bedrck46]

Either way will work

 

[bedrck46]

Not confusing glad you asked.

 

[bedrck46]

You could also use a ohm meter to check the switchs but without you having the prints that could get confusing

 

[simbre]

Tks, i'll give it a try as soon as i get home in a couple of hrs.
tks

 

[bedrck46]

Ok just let me know how you make out

 

[simbre]

Ok. I tried using the test/jumper leads directly from a 12v btty directly to the blade connectors on the motor. Nothing. No sound, no movement. I assume this means I need a new power window motor?
Any idea why, when the front drivers side switch no longer operated that particular window, the rear switch still worked for awhile? Maybe it doesn't matter since it appears the motor is out anyway. I'll order a new motor and install and see what happens. Does this course of action sound correct? Tks

 

[bedrck46]

what you could do it to take a volt meter and hook it to the leads that connect to the motor NOT the motor leads. And try each switch to see if you get 12 volts to the connector try both switchs and try both directions you will see +12V in one direction and -12V in the other direction If you don't have a volt meter you could use a test light That will test the switches

 

[bedrck46]

Also you could just replace the motor if the acturator is in good condition Just need to be careful when removing the motor as there is some spring tenison that could do some harm if not careful. or just replace the whole assembly

 

[FordandPolaris]

I purchased the whole assembly for $20 from a parts yard. Keep both of your eyes (spring is under a lot of tension) and just replace the whole piece. Have a helper though.

 

[simbre]

Thanks for the advice. I replaced the motor only in a GMC before and made the mistake of letting the spring unwind- nightmare to get back in but i managed to. I'll never make that mistake again! I think i'll check pricing on the whole unit this time.

 

[bedrck46]

check e-bay Had to get one from there Agree about the spring and motor first time I almost lost a finger learned from that next one I did was very easy just had to make sure I didn't let go of the motor till I had the tension off the spring

Did you check the connector for voltage by pressing the switches??

 

[simbre]

After i ran the jumper wires straight from a 12v btty to the two blade connector on the motor itself i got no response. I surmise the motor is out? I figured i got to at the minimum replace that to start with.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Simbre, I don't think you are doing it right, if I understand what you said in your post above. It sounds like you are connecting the battery directly to both terminals that come from the motor and if that's what you did it will not work.

Connect the negative post from the battery to the door frame. Then apply the positive lead one of the spade terminals on the motor and see if it moves, then try the other terminal. The motor is grounded to the door frame so all you have to do is try the two terminals one should go up and the other should make it go down.

 

[bedrck46]

Andy you need to look at the wiring for the motor The motor has two leads and one of the leads get grounded thru the switch and when the switch is pressed the switch is what caused the lead to go to ground and when the switch is pressed in the other direction it cause the voltage to flow in the other direction If you like I'll send a pic of the print