How To Repair A Rotted Window Jamb

Power windows make it easy to open windows in all parts of the car. Broken power windows, however, are not so nice, especially if they get stuck in hot or cold weather. Luckily, power windows are usually one of the more reliable systems on a late-model car, and diagnosis and repair is usually pretty straightforward. If the switch becomes broken, you will either need to repair it or replace it. Fortunately, making a power window repair is usually a simple DIY project that you can do by following the steps below.

Tools You'll Need

Screwdriver
Flat-tipped screwdriver
Multimeter or Voltmeter/Ohmmeter

Locate the fuse box, usually under the dashboard near the steering wheel, and check for blown fuses. Replace any blown fuses, and check for loose wires coming in and out of the fuse box. Tighten the loose wires and see if the windows are working now.

If only the window on one side isn't working, the problem could be a nonfunctional switch. It's also possible that there's a problem with the window's motor, or there could be faulty wiring leading from the switch to the motor. Since there can be many reasons why a power window doesn't work, it's important to inspect the entire apparatus thoroughly to identify the exact problem.

Examine the Switch

Switches for passenger windows are wired to the switches on the driver's side. If there is a problem with the passenger windows, it could be an issue with either the switches on the passenger windows, or the ones located on the driver's side.

Remove the Switch

There are a total of four tabs on each of the window switches. Each of these four tabs will have to be released to remove the switch. A lot of caution should be used when releasing the tabs,they're extremely sensitive and can break easily. Use a flat-tipped screwdriver and slide it under two of the tabs, then release them with a quick motion. As a note, some vehicles may require that you remove the panel to get access to the switch.

Check if the Switch Works

Check the contacts of the switches with the multimeter. If there is high resistance on the switches, it could be because dirt has settled on them. If this is the case, simply cleaning the contacts can solve the issue. Once the contacts have been cleaned, put the switch back on the assembly by re-inserting the tabs.

Re-Examine The Switch

Once the switch has been reinstalled, check to see if it functions normally again. Push the switch and see if the windows are working again.If the windows are working then you probably don't have to do anything else. If the problem persists, the switch will probably need to be replaced.

Installing a New Switch

Before installing the new switch check to make sure the contacts are clean. There shouldn't be any kind of dirt, debris, or rust on the contacts. Once the new switch passes inspection, remove the old switch and replace it with the new one. Be careful to fasten the tabs properly. Check the windows by rolling them up and down. If the windows are still not working the issue could be faulty wiring. If that's the case, it will require further checking, and is probably best done by a car mechanic.