Power windows on 71 vert
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Thomasville Ga
Power windows on 71 vert
The driver's power window on my 71 vert quit last night. I just need some quidance on fixing it. Are these assumptions on tracking down the cause correct:
1. Check to see if the PW switch in the E brake console is getting elcty. If it is...it is not a wiring problem or fuse? problem?
2. Check to see the window motor in the door is getting elect. from the switch...if it isn't the problem is probably the switch?
3. If the window motor is getting elect. and is not turning...it is probably the window motor?
I know you can't tell me what the problem is...but, maybe you can tell me if the above steps are where I should start looking...or, is there something else? Is there a 'common' problem that happens a lot?
Thanks for any help you can give.
brian
1. Check to see if the PW switch in the E brake console is getting elcty. If it is...it is not a wiring problem or fuse? problem?
2. Check to see the window motor in the door is getting elect. from the switch...if it isn't the problem is probably the switch?
3. If the window motor is getting elect. and is not turning...it is probably the window motor?
I know you can't tell me what the problem is...but, maybe you can tell me if the above steps are where I should start looking...or, is there something else? Is there a 'common' problem that happens a lot?
Thanks for any help you can give.
brian
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
You will need to use a voltmeter to find the troubles....if you can't get one, you at a severe disadvantage.....check local hock shops for one cheap....40 bux should get you a Fluke....
well worth it...
go to library or get a book on elementary electricals....
GENE
well worth it...
go to library or get a book on elementary electricals....
GENE
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 22
From: Marietta Ga.
Originally Posted by fjetb
The driver's power window on my 71 vert quit last night. I just need some quidance on fixing it. Are these assumptions on tracking down the cause correct:
1. Check to see if the PW switch in the E brake console is getting elcty. If it is...it is not a wiring problem or fuse? problem?
2. Check to see the window motor in the door is getting elect. from the switch...if it isn't the problem is probably the switch?
3. If the window motor is getting elect. and is not turning...it is probably the window motor?
I know you can't tell me what the problem is...but, maybe you can tell me if the above steps are where I should start looking...or, is there something else? Is there a 'common' problem that happens a lot?
Thanks for any help you can give.
brian
1. Check to see if the PW switch in the E brake console is getting elcty. If it is...it is not a wiring problem or fuse? problem?
2. Check to see the window motor in the door is getting elect. from the switch...if it isn't the problem is probably the switch?
3. If the window motor is getting elect. and is not turning...it is probably the window motor?
I know you can't tell me what the problem is...but, maybe you can tell me if the above steps are where I should start looking...or, is there something else? Is there a 'common' problem that happens a lot?
Thanks for any help you can give.
brian
2. Or a broken wire in the door harness, The motor gets power from two leads (if I remember right) one for up and one for down. You may simply have loose plug at motor
3. no, ground could be at fault. Try running a power jumper to the plug tabs and see if it works.
How did it work before? did it go up and down quickly, or has it been dragging. Could be the old common gummed up tracks are preventing it from moving.
If you don't have one, get a service GM manual for your year.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
It is a little crude but you can pop off the door panel and access cover, un plug the motor and try running 12 volts to either terminal. It should go up or down depending on which terminal you apply 12 v to.
Be careful! I made a little connector with wires that plugs in to the motor so that I do not have to apply power directly to the motor and risk damage to the motor terminals. What is nice is it immediately eliminates the motor as the problem.
On my 70 I found a bad wire that had grounded out causing a problem and the bad wire also resulted in excessive current draw that started to melt the up/down switch. Still do not understand why the fuse didn't blow first.
If the motor is going bad you will usually get some intermittant problems before it stops all together. These motors are permanent magnet and by lightly tapping on the motor it may begin to work but that will only work for so long if the motor is bad.
Good luck.
Bill
Be careful! I made a little connector with wires that plugs in to the motor so that I do not have to apply power directly to the motor and risk damage to the motor terminals. What is nice is it immediately eliminates the motor as the problem.
On my 70 I found a bad wire that had grounded out causing a problem and the bad wire also resulted in excessive current draw that started to melt the up/down switch. Still do not understand why the fuse didn't blow first.
If the motor is going bad you will usually get some intermittant problems before it stops all together. These motors are permanent magnet and by lightly tapping on the motor it may begin to work but that will only work for so long if the motor is bad.
Good luck.
Bill
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