AboutEd McKenna Expertise I`ve been restoring G-Body Oldsmobiles and Pontiac`s(1983-1987) for a number of years now . I have a ton of information related to people trying to restore these soon to be classics .
Expert: Ed McKenna Date: 1/26/2006 Subject: 1998 Olds Achieva rear power window stuck half way down
Question My husband, Mike, challenged me to find information on how to fix this problem online, since the car is now my son's, and Mike doesn't want to put money into it.
Mike wants to fix it himself. He is not a super handyman by any means, but he gets by.
Anyway, the window makes no sound whatsoever when the button is pushed, so no sign of any motor trying to work there.
He has not checked the fusebox yet. He specifically asked me to find out how to get the interior door panel off.
Any help would be appreciated, Ed. Thanks a lot!
Answer Mary,
Sounds like a dilemma ;)
I'm not familiar with the specifics on your specific Oldsmobile since my expertise only goes as far as the late 80's. Although I can tell you that if you go out and buy the Haynes or Chilton manual it will give you specific instructions on how to remove the interior door panel.
Usually it requires either prying these little plastic clips around the entire circumference around the door or popping off trim and taking out a few screws.
As far as the motor is concerned there could be a few problems.
1. Check the fusebox ! (you hit the nail on the head)
2. The wiring harness itself that clips into the back of the switch could have become jarred,corroded or faulty.
3. The switch itself
4. You can test the harness to see if its actually receiving any power , if so then the motor might be your best bet.
5. Window Regulator
Again Mary its process of elimination. To be honest buying the Hayne's/Chilton manual will save you allot of money in the long run.
An ASE certified mechanic shouldn't charge an arm and a leg either.
Mary if you have any more questions please feel free to ask. Don't forget to rate my response to you.
Tell your husband its a common problem on most modern cars and information is readily available all over the internet ;)
