Power windows are useful but can sometimes have problems.
Power windows are useful and convenient options, and come standard on many vehicle models. Like any piece of machinery, power windows can encounter problems from time to time. Fortunately, many of these problems fall into several major categories, which are usually quite easy to solve. If you own a vehicle with power windows, you may want to make yourself aware of these problems, as this knowledge could save you time, effort, and money later.
Jamming
Jamming is probably the most common problem that crops up with power windows. Jamming is usually a result of problems with weatherstripping, gaskets, or channels. These parts of a power window assembly take a lot of abuse, both from mechanical use and weather. Sometimes, they can bunch up, break apart, or buckle, which will jam the power window's tracks. Sometimes, problems like this can be solved without taking the window apart, but simply spraying in silicon lube or compressed air and/or cleaning with water and a toothbrush. Other times, the door might need to be taken apart and a piece of the channel-liner glued in place.
Fuses
Overloaded fuses are another common problem with power windows. If you can't hear anything when you flip your power windows switch, this is probably the problem. In this case, you simply need to check the power window fuse and replace it. However, sometimes the fuse may blow because there is excessive drag somewhere on the track, so checking for this is a good idea as well.
Switches
Bad switches are a common problem with power windows. Often, switches will have dirty contact points. Sometimes, the power for all of the window switches throughout the vehicles will run through a master switch located at the driver's door, and should one switch up front get stuck in an "off" position, a switch somewhere else in the car could be affected. You can usually clean out the contacts with tuner cleaner and compressed air.
Switch Rocker
Sometimes the switch mechanism itself is fine, but the actual switch handle, called the switch rocker, doesn't work. This often happens with the driver's side switches, as they get by far the most use. While you usually have to buy an entire new switch assembly, it is quite easy to swap out one of the rear window switch rockers. You simply remove the panel and take the switch out.
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