Expert: Rob Painter - 12/2/2009

Question
Hi we just bought a 1997 cadillac deville 4 door everything is electric, including the windows. Our driver side window will roll down , but not up. Not sure if its the switch or the window motor. Also how to fix it. Thanks for your time

Answer
Christine,


You are dealing with a symptom and it can have different repair procedures depending on what is wrong. Without being physically at the vehicle, I can give you only suggestions.

Here goes: You need to remove the switch assembly from the door panel. Place a test light on the driver's power window switch with the ignition on. Since you know the window works going down, move the switch in the downward position and place the test light on the switch. It will light up and then you know which wire is for down. Now place the test light on the other wire and do the same thing. If the test light does not light, you need a switch.

Now having had Cadillacs a good share of my life, it has been my experience to see the motor fail. Going down takes little effort on the motor, however when they get old, you will see where it is a strain for the window to move upward. In fact, many if I got the window up just above the door molding, I would grab the glass with my hand and pull upward to assist it in going up.

If you know the switch works, you will most likely need a new motor. You can buy these relatively cheap on Ebay and they are new. The door trim panel must be removed (sometimes very challenging). To change the motor is not a big deal. The rivets need to be drilled out that hold it in place. Then has to be riveted with 1/4 rivets (special rivet gun required) or bolts with lock tight can be installed too.

These two issues are the most common on Cadillac power windows. You may even try purchasing a new switch if defective from Ebay.

Good luck!

Rob