Battery cables, alternator or what?

[tjsxplodr]

Isn't there a major ground with all the four power window switches somewhere in the vehicle?

 

[Iron Weasel]

G204.

LH side of vehicle, behind kick panel

 

[tjsxplodr]

What's the G204? Kick panel, is that in the front driver's side or rear driver's side?

 

[Iron Weasel]

G204 is the "name" of the ground - Ground #204.

Kick panel is the interior trim piece in the footwell where your feet rest while driving. The LH side of vehicle indicates it's behind the kick panel left of the parking brake. Grounds are always as short as possible and since the master window switch is in the driver door, the logical place for a ground is behind the kick panel.

If you want to verify, grab your handy DMM and check for continuity from the master window switch harness to the ground point behind the kick panel.

 

[tjsxplodr]

There's so many wires on that master switch. Does it matter which one to use? I'm about ready to just take the stupid thing in and have it diagnosed.

 

[Iron Weasel]

Black is pretty universal as the ground wire in automotive systems.

Stick one end of the meter into the terminal end of the black wire on the switch harness and then poke around behind the kick panel until you find another black wire with continuity. Several things ground under there, so you might have to try a few different black wires.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ok, I will try that. Use the red wire from the DMM to find continuity correct.

 

[Iron Weasel]

When checking continuity it doesn't matter. All you're doing is using the meter to check if current flows from one point to another. Put one lead on one end of the wire and poke around with the other lead until you find the correct wire.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ok. Will give it a go.

 

[Iron Weasel]

Not trying to be condescending, but read up over at this site:

http://www.ladyada.net/learn/multimeter/

It's a tutorial on using a multimeter to check for things like continuity, resistance, and voltage. You need to know how to use a tool properly before it becomes an effective tool.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Thanks. Continuity was confusing me. I know how to read the meter for my battery etc...but the continuity thingy...hehe.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ok, so I tested the wires on the switch itself, and what I'm getting is confusing. One ground shows a -003 and the meter is making noise, the second one is reading 044 and not making noise, the third wire shows 006 and meter is making noise, the right rear passenger switch doesn't have a ground to it, I don't see where there would be one.

 

[Iron Weasel]

If the meter makes noise when you're checking for continuity, then that means you have a good path. So, if you're getting continuity from the ground point behind the kick panel to the master window switch harness, then you've got a ground at the switch.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ok, so there is one point on the switch where the ground isn't good, cuz it didn't make any noise. Does it really matter what the meter says, positive or negative when it beeps?

I didn't see a fourth ground wire going to the left passenger side window switch....is that something I should really be looking for?

 

[Iron Weasel]

With continuity, it doesn't really matter what the polarity is...you're checking for current flow from one point to another.

Here's the diagram from my 94.....your 91 may or may not be the same. If the wire colors don't match up then yours is different. If that's the case, you need to get a hold of accurate diagrams for your year...and not from Haynes or Chilton since those are basic diagrams that cover different models and years.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ok thanks. I will check out the wiring.