Expert: Ben Menard - 5/18/2011

Question
I have a 2003 Kia Sorento.  The passenger side window goes up and down fine when the driver uses the controls, however the passenger side controls do not work.  Sometimes the passenger can get the window to go up but most time the passenger controls do nothing.  What could the issue be?

Answer
Hello Amanda,

Here are a few possibilities that could cause the problem you describe.

1.  Be sure the "lock out" button on the driver's master window switch is not in the "locked" position which prevents all the passengers from using their windows.

2.  The single window switch on the passenger door could be faulty.  The switch allows power from the master switch to pass through and move the window, but the switch will not transfer power to the window motor when its own button is activated.

3.  Some vehicles use a small solid state controller called a "body control module" in their power window circuits.  I don't know if your Kia has one in its window circuit, but these can occasionally cause unusual problems like the one your describe.

Feel free to send a follow up question if you need more help.

Ben ... the power window guy