Hey guys, need some tech advise.

My 95 GXE has developed a wierd "quirk" with it's driver-side power window switch. It works fine when rolling the window down (regular and "express-down"), but doesn't seem to like rolling the window back up.

It's taking more and more flicks of the window switch to roll the window back up. You can hear the switch clicking (that relay type sound)and when the window does decide to roll up it doesn't move any slower than normal. This seems to rule out a bad motor or relay, but can't be 100% certain.

My first thought was a loose connection somewhere, but should that also cause problems rolling the window up? Hubby gave it a quick look-over the other day and said everything looked ok.

When it first started it would roll up on every other try, now it's progressed to haveing to hit the switch anywhere from 5-10 times to get it to roll up!!

Anybody had a similar problem with their Max before and know what to look for? I really want to get this fixed, Max has been such a great car, I hate to see him feeling bad.

Thanks,
Samantha

 

Chances are that switch is failing. Some owners have reported success in opening the switch assembly, polishing the burned switch contacts, and reassembling. That takes dexterity and patience. The fast fix (and the one the dealer prefers) is that you buy a replacement switch assembly.

If you like to do your own "wrenching" you could remove the door trim panel, disconnect the window motor harness, and use a pair of fused test leads to provide 12 volts directly to the motor. This "unit test" will show if the motor and window regulator hardware are in good working order.

 

I cleaned my switches when I took them apart for LED replacement, but there was minimal carbon deposits. They're very easy to disassemble, just make sure you use a smooth trim tool to pry apart the plastic casings. Don't rush it, or you may snap the plastic securing tabs.

Aside from cleaning, there's not much else to do. If you press your window controls very firmly, you might need to realign the contacts. You'll get a better idea of your situation when you take them apart.

On a similar note, I notice my passenger side window "sweaks". It's a subtle oscillating sound. I can live with it, but... I'm wondering if there is any kind of lubrication you can do to the mechanisms. If only I had known of the "usage" maintenance trick earlier (make all of your power windows go up and down several times a month--lack of use can cause them to fail or work poorly).

 

It's started working right again. Ever since I posted that message it's been going up on the first try.

If it is the motor, wouldn't it be moving slower and possibly refusing to roll down on occassion too?

I'm still leaning towards the switch... but it does make a faint clicking sound (sounds like a relay being activated) when you push the switch... doesn't sound any different from the rest of them.

It seems that since it's started working again, that perhaps it's just a loose/dirty connection somewhere and maybe driving it around construction the last few days may hgave jarred it back into place for a while.