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Truck window help needed

TangoSierraTangoSierra Member Posts: 1,248 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited January 2017 in General Discussion
I know there is a lot of automotive knowledge here so I thought I would see what y'all have to say about it.

Drivers side door window on my '08 GMC will not operate. All other windows operate fine. What research I have done has the problem anywhere from a broken wire between the firewall and the door, The entire window switch module, a fuse, individual switch, or the motor. What is your opinion that is the most likely cause of the problem. Don't really want to start taking the door apart without having some idea about what is most likely to be the problem.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Comments

  • dcon12dcon12 Member Posts: 32,027 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It don't work. Don
  • savage170savage170 Member Posts: 37,552 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    without a test light or voltage meter it is pretty much a guess
  • redneckandyredneckandy Member Posts: 9,714 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    First guess is switch. Usually more than one window per fuse.
  • buschmasterbuschmaster Member Posts: 14,229 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    sometimes those window cranks strip out
  • 1911a1-fan1911a1-fan Member Posts: 51,193 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    you will not know till you pull the door panel and go at it with a test light, start at the actuator/motor


    i have had them slip off track, and lock up, or fall down, but more often motor burns out
  • remingtonoaksremingtonoaks Member Posts: 26,245 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    As old as it is, the contacts in the switch is dirty. I usually start with the vehicle turned OFF, pour five of 6 drops of rubbing alcohol into the switch that is not working, it will trickle down through the opening at the base, then work the switch back and forth about 30-40 times. MAKE sure you give it time for the alcohol to dehydrate before trying to use it, a couple of hours should do it, over night is even better. alcohol doesn't freeze so don't worry about that. This works about 99% of the time. The alcohol will clean the contacts. If that doesn't work, the contacts could be corroded and or wore down or bent to where they don't make good contact with each other, in that case,you can take the switch apart, and use a pencil eraser to clean it where the 2 contacts rub, then take and carefully bend the contacts to where they make good contact with each other. Hope this works for you, it always works for me unless it's an broken wire
  • bullshotbullshot Member Posts: 14,706 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    YouTube is your friend
    "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you"
  • jimdeerejimdeere Member, Moderator Posts: 26,241 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by buschmaster
    sometimes those window cranks strip out

    [:D]
    In which case, a small pair of vise grips will solve the problem.
    You're welcome.
    Glad we could help.
  • themountainmanthemountainman Member Posts: 1,207 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Drivers window subject to problems from more use and the auto full down feature. Be careful of the left front door control priority over all other door controls isolation diode circuit.
    There are 3 kinds of people in the world. Those who can do math and those who can't. :?
  • BeeramidBeeramid Member Posts: 7,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I had an 04' GMC, when the window lift assembly failed, the window would not roll up. I replaced the entire lift module, it was cables, and a motor. Taking the door apart really wasn't that difficult, nor was replacing the assembly, but you don't have a lot of room inside the door, and there are sharp edges everywhere.

    Assuming the window is rolled up, use several pieces of masking tape to support it, stick one side on the outside glass, go over the door, and then stick the tape to the inside glass.

    I would investigate the switch first, unless you're window has had problems moving up and down.
  • fordsixfordsix Member Posts: 8,554 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    buy a new door
  • redneckandyredneckandy Member Posts: 9,714 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by fordsix
    buy a new door

    Or get a Dodge.[}:)]
  • remingtonoaksremingtonoaks Member Posts: 26,245 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by redneckandy
    quote:Originally posted by fordsix
    buy a new door

    Or get a Dodge.[}:)]


    A+++ the non operative window switch won't bother you as much because of it's messed up tranny won't let you drive it anyway
  • redneckandyredneckandy Member Posts: 9,714 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by remingtonoaks
    quote:Originally posted by redneckandy
    quote:Originally posted by fordsix
    buy a new door

    Or get a Dodge.[}:)]


    A+++ the non operative window switch won't bother you as much because of it's messed up tranny won't let you drive it anyway

    They move, just don't want to shift sometimes. Usually just the governor pressure sensor. I replaced mine a couple months ago. Of course I think it is failing again...[B)]
  • LesWVaLesWVa Member Posts: 10,490 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The switch is easy to change out on them using just two tools.

    10mm wrench or socket
    Small flat thin bar

    Pop the cover off starting at the bottom
    Remove the two 10mm bolts holing the handle
    Unplug the wires
    Remove the switch
  • GUNFUNCOGUNFUNCO Member Posts: 2,919 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Probably the switch contacts if you don't hear the motor trying to operate when you move the switch in one direction or the other.

    These switches aren't hard to remove and clean and not very expensive to replace if you need to.

    Like others have said, check out you tube videos.

    About a year ago, my right rear window wasn't working. I removed the switch, cleaned it with CRC brand electrical contact cleaner (available at most walmart or auto parts stores)put it back together and it worked just fine and hsa done so ever since.

    If you hear the motor trying to run but nothing's happening, you broke a window regulator cable. By a new regulator assembly at auto parts or ebay (ebay is usually cheaper but many auto parts offer lifetime warranty) and follow instructions on youtube. In Michigan, windows often freeze in place and then break the cable when you try to lower the window. I think I've done over 6 of them over the years and can replace one in about 20 minutes.
  • kidthatsirishkidthatsirish Member Posts: 6,983 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Remove the switch and use a test light on the vehicle harness.
  • Smitty500magSmitty500mag Member Posts: 13,623 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would check the fuses first thing.

    I planned for this problem when I bought my new Silverado back in 2003. I purchased mine without power windows or door locks and no heated seats etc. [:)]
  • AlpineAlpine Member Posts: 15,092 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The motor and cables is called The Regulator.

    Remove the cover and UTube is your friend.

    Test switch, jump switch, and then You will know what needs to be replaced.
    ?The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.?
    Margaret Thatcher

    "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."
    Mark Twain
  • john wjohn w Member Posts: 4,104
    edited November -1
    I have had 2 drivers window switches fail in my 07 trailblazer. All the others were fine because you use the drivers switch so much. The whole switch should just pop out so go to autozone or ebay and buy a replacement , there cheap. Pop it in and with luck it will work, if not you will have to take off the panel and root around with your test light.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,404 ******
    edited November -1
    Just use the other windows. Problem solved.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • fideaufideau Member Posts: 11,895 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Is there any noise at all? If it makes a noise and does not move window, could be as simple as a broken gear, or the regulator. Some have winders that do not have replacement parts, and you have to buy the complete assembly. This is probably the best bet. I have replaced at least a dozen on different vehicles. Little tricky on some, but doable.
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