Regulator vs. Switch

Read a lot of posts, and I'm still undecided as to which solution I will pursue.

Problem: 1990 GXE - Driver's side window not responding to window switch, the window is essentially stuck in the up position. The only hint I have is that while idling, I feel the car studder when I push the switch to make the window go up. The automatic window down switch doesn't seem to do anything either. The window lock feature has been enabled and disabled, but to no avail. All other windows work at the driver's switch panel, and at their individual panels. I don't know if it's my imagination, but the actual button seems to have too much play, not the same feel as the others.

Proposed Solutions: 'dude, it's the regulator...'- seems to be the most repeated phrase among the org. However, I have reson to think that it might be the switch.

clean the contacts - haven't attempted but might try

replace the relay - not an electronics buff, would sooner replace the whole switch

check fuses - should probably do that, i'd just checked them, right before the window stopped working...

I feel it's the switch because the window hasn't fallen down, among other reasons. Just seeking out honest opinions, before I invest in a part that might not be necessary.

I expect to pay anywhere from $20-$75 for a used switch, and $50-$80 for a regulator.

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

imo, switches either work or dont work...ie. bad connection = touchy contacts or non touching contacts, if you get what i mean. with touchy contacts, the window works sporadically when there is contact. With non touching contacts, nothing works: no drain in current and thus no drop in the revs/min due to current being pulled by switch. If it were the fuse, again, there wouldnt be any draw/drain in power causing drop in revs/min because the current isnt going through a complete circuit.
This thus leaves a last option....yes, the regulator. "$59.95, not a cent more that dirty...." u know the rest.
Of course this is just my reasoning using common sense, i think...

 

take the door panel off, keep the switch hooked up, look at the motor when you press the "down" button. if the motor moves, its not the switch (so long as everything else is hooked up properly).

 

I had a bad relay. Everything worked except for the down button. Relay costed around $4. There are two relays and its difficult to figure out which is bad (I ended up replacing the wrong one first).

If you are'nt able to do the relay on your own, you can buy the whole assembly, around $100.

 

just had a second thought today... what do you think the odds are that it's the motor itself? any good way to check it? i can't hear the motor itself when i press the button...