Power Window Problem
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 5
From: Richardson Tx.
Power Window Problem
The power window goes up just fine. It has always given me a problem coming down in that I have to really press the power switch downward as hard as I can to get the motor to engage the window. Now the window will not come down at all, only up. There are no problems w/ the window mechanism itself because once it does engage it comes down smoothly. The other window does not take any abnormal effort when pressing the power window switch. So I decided to swap the switches under the center console. The "good" side switch had no better effect when plugged into the "bad" side wire connector. As I look at the volt gauge when pressing the switch, I can see it move when I try to raise the window but I do not see it fluctuate when I try to press the switch to lower the window. What could be my problem here? 
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham AL
Yep, sounds like a wiring problem. The wires each independantly control the direction of the motion: up or down. Start at the motor where the wire clips on. I'd take a small file to the clip in the wire connector and on the motor and then work backwards from there.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,354
Likes: 214
From: Beecher Illinois
I had a similar problem in one of mine. Took the switch apart and lightly sanded the contacts. Works great now. Just clamp it in a vise and pry up the bent over prongs holding it together. Some of em may break off but no problem. Pay attention to which way the innards go in and remove them. You'll see how crude the switch actually is, nothing hi tech here. Sand the contacts, probably burned, and return it to the housing. Crimp over the tabs again. If some broke off, just crimp over any material along either side. Hammer and screwdriver works fine. Hopefully that will do it. No cost! If it works, but backwards, you put the innards in backwards. Ask me how I know 
.
Mike
.Mike
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
you know i just had the same problem and it was the wiring right where it passes through the door opening.....the wiring had broken.....take off you door panel and see if you are getting power to both sides of the motor....also try and wiggle the wiring harness while using the switch and see if it does anything.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Make the easiest repair first. It is more than likely your switch. I had trouble with mine and it was the switch. They don't cost a lot and are easy to replace. Do this first, before you tear into the door mechanism; I believe you will be happy you did!
Bernie
Bernie
I will check the wiring and the contacts tonite.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
79, your correct, the problem would have moved when you switched switches if that was it. Connections in the door more likely. I ended up putting new pigtails in bith doors, problems resolved (after the new wheels, grease, window felts, etc...)
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
grab the wires in the door opening and hold the switch dowm and wiggle them......if the window goes down you have a broken wire .....just like i did
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 5
From: Richardson Tx.
Well, it was a combination of 2 problems- the back of the switch was "loose" and the contacts on the motor and wiring were pretty corroded. I found the wiring problem using Bob's suggestion of wiggling the wire as I pressed the switch down. I sanded all the contacts down and then using the "good" switch I was able to go up and down at will. I put the "bad" switch in and then the problem became intermittent again. thanks fellas
Rob
Rob
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
My switches worked when they wanted to on my 79 - turned out that one of them had a wire going into the connector that was pretty well broken - just hanging on by one or two strands. Took apart the switch and repaired the connection - viola, power windows work again.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: San Jose area CA
My issue on the 71 driver side is that it "was" working and suddenly it is not - passenger side OK. I hate to remove the door panel (such a pain) and the thought or removing the rear center console with the e-brake handle isn't what I wanted to do either... already wiggled the wires in the door jam.
Good suggestions and glad I found this thread.
Good suggestions and glad I found this thread.
Last edited by 67VetteMan; Feb 14, 2006 at 08:03 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 79vetter
For those that have replaced the switches, where did you buy them? the local parts stores don't carry them...
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu Hawaii
I had the similar problem with my '78. only it would go down and not back up... took the door panel off and found the pigtail was not fully connected to the motor, plugged it in correctly and no problems since..