Expert: Ben Menard - 5/11/2010

Question
Hi Ben,

Read through your other answers and appreciated the detail, but I didn't see one exactly like this.  The power windows stopped working yesterday afternoon.  On the drivers master 4 switch, nothing will work (double and triple checked that the lock out was not on) not even the power door locks.  None of the other power window switches will work either.  However, the power lock switch on the passenger side still works.  I took apart the drivers door using another of your posts and tested the switch for power.  Of the 14 wires into the switch, 5 were hot.  Seemed okay???  So I followed the wires to the drivers side window motor and disconnected the wires at the clamp that is about 6 inches from the motor itself.  On the switch side, both wires were hot, ~12V.  (thought this was weird?)  Then while holding the tester on the wire I switch the window up then down.  Depending on which wire I was testing the reading went to ~13.7V.  I also traced the wire to the power lock and got the same result.  So both the window motor and the lock mechanism have power and it spiked upon activating the switch, but nothing happens.  Totally at a loss.
Thanks, Jeff

Answer
Hi Jeff,

I am not an expert when it comes to electrical problems, but my best guess is a faulty ground connection.  I don't have a wiring diagram handy, so I can't tell you where to go to clean and repair the ground connection for the circuit.  Maybe a local mechanic can look up the wiring diagram for you and help you locate the ground.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

Ben  ... the power window guy