Intermittent Window Failure

[cjryan]

My window's usually don't work, but when they do, they all work. This and posting on this site before, has lead me to believe that I need to replace my master control switch. I have been looking and ebay, and found some used switches.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170214008808&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123

Has anyone else had this problem and solved it with a new master control switch?

 

[budwich]

instead of buying parts, get meter and check things out... your problem will become obvious quickly. Having said that, a "candidate" for trouble is the control switch which can be checked / cleaned.

 

[joat]

the driver side switches need to be taken apart and cleaned cause the internal terminals have got corrosion on them

 

[cjryan]

I just took apart the door panel/ master control switch. Everything looks pretty clean: the terminals, the switches. I'm trying to figure out exactly where/what to test. I can't tell if the wires leading to the plastic base plate that the switch mounts on are soldered or not. Even if they aren't, there are about three to four wires heading to each window switch. I believe black is the ground, but not sure about the others.

Anyone know where to find an electrical diagram for this switch?

 

[cjryan]

I tested the master control switch and the locks have power, but nothing else. I also took apart the electrical distribution module on the door and again the locks had power, but nothing else.

My question is: Where is the next logical place to test? What might be the culprit for my windows having no power?

 

[budwich]

OK... you are now thru the "first step". However, you need to be more specific on your "tests". Use only one area (ie. driver side window since you have it apart). At the window motor, with the "down" position pressed on the window control switch, measure the voltage at the R and W/BK leads going to the window motor. There should be 12v on one and grd on the other. This is the "next step".

 

[cjryan]

Budwich,
The distribution module I tested is next to the hinges of the door (in the door's 'armpit'). If I don't have power here, my thought is why would there be power at the window motor if there isn't power "before" the window motor?

 

[budwich]

OK... sorry, I misunderstood what you were saying with "master control and locks had power but nothing else"... as "no ground" type reference.

Anyways, now that we are on the same page ... , you need to check your battery saver relay in your relay module (center of IP)... in particular, power coming in on BK/W and leaving on LB/BK (when operated).

 

[mikewild]

I've had similar problems, usually only with one of the windows (more than likely a tired motor) but generally it's the mirror adjustments that stop working. I've swapped out the MCP a few times now as it's pretty cheap to do. $10 at the local pick and pull.

 

[cjryan]

Anyways, now that we are on the same page ... , you need to check your battery saver relay in your relay module (center of IP)... in particular, power coming in on BK/W and leaving on LB/BK (when operated).

Where is the relay module? What is IP?
Thanks

 

[cjryan]

I've had similar problems, usually only with one of the windows (more than likely a tired motor) but generally it's the mirror adjustments that stop working. I've swapped out the MCP a few times now as it's pretty cheap to do. $10 at the local pick and pull.

Is the 'MCP' you're referring to the master control switch on the driver's side?

 

[mikewild]

Is the 'MCP' you're referring to the master control switch on the driver's side?

yup.

 

[joat]

electrical grimlens

on all ford explorres the control switches 4 the windows arent water resistent so when they quit working try 2 take them apart and clean them and reapply them with deielectric grease

 

[cjryan]

on all ford explorres the control switches 4 the windows arent water resistent so when they quit working try 2 take them apart and clean them and reapply them with deielectric grease

But I don't have power on the distributor going into the Master Control Switch by the hinge's for the door. Why would replacing or cleaning the switch fix if there's no power?

 

[cjryan]

So my windows still work occasionally, but sometimes they don't at all. I'm going to get it diagnosed at a shop.

Any recommendations on what type of shop for this issue? I don't know any shops that specialize in electrical. Maybe an audio car shop? Anyone know a honest one in OC, CA?

 

[cjryan]

Yes!! Fixed !!

So I gave in and took it to the dealer. It was a short. The wired the power from the window switches. (Damn I could've done that, too bad I'm not too electrical saavy). They fixed the short and it blew the relay, so they put a new one in. Working windows seem like such a luxury now.