Power window short

[Zymurgy]

I have been living on borrowed time. The driver power window, in my '66, has a short in it and I have to work the switch to make it go up and down. All the other 3 switches work fine in the block. I was planning on cleaning the terminals, make sure everything fits tight and check my grounds. Would most of you think that should solve my problems?

I plan on adding relays at this time too, hopefully I am not opening a can of worms. Has anyone added relays to their power windows?

 

[1978 NYB]

Are you sure it's the switch and not the motor?

 

[commando1]

Are you sure it's the switch and not the motor?

If he plays with the switch, he can get it working. I, also, would be assuming the switch.

 

[mr. fix it]

Hi Mike,
I think that if you trace the wiring physically or by the diagrams you will find that the windows have a circuit breaker or a fusible link.
Windows are a high amp hog to begin with so a typical fuse would not be a be source of protection as it would blow too quickly.

More than likely if fiddling with the switch makes the window go up and down then that is likely your issue.
If you get the window to go up and down pulling on the window then it is likely the motor windings getting weaker or the brushes are worn out.
Another simple trick in diagnosing this is to wiggle the drivers' door open and closed back and forth as you open or close the door.
You may have a slightly broken wire at the hinge area in the wiring harness.

Be careful disassembling the switches as they are a veritable booby trap of balls and springs

 

[1978 NYB]

Is there a trusted vendor or someone who rebuilds window switches?

 

[commando1]

Is there a trusted vendor or someone who rebuilds window switches?

Julian

 

[Zymurgy]

Are you sure it's the switch and not the motor?

Stan's right it is the switch, when it connects it goes up strong.

 

[Zymurgy]

Thanks for the tip Tom, if I can't get it to work properly without taking it apart, I am thinking I will probably send it off to this guy, I am not good at the small detailed stuff with my fat fingers. Power window switch repair

 

[1978 NYB]

I have a window motor in my NYB right now. Goes down strong and will not go up. Reverse the motor wires....still nothing.

 

[1978 NYB]

Thanks Mike!

I'm terrible with micro parts too.

 

[Zymurgy]

I got lucky. Took the door panel off, first time since it was reupholstered. Fortunately no surprises, was concerned the guy might have jacks something up. I took the back off the switches to expose the pins, the one tarnished pin was to the the shorted switch, hallelujah! Sanded it until it was shiney shot some electronic cleaner reassembled. Works perfectly.

 

[bluefury361]

Not really a "short" Mike. More like a intermittent "open" circuit. A good cleaning should help.

 

[mr. fix it]

First the door switch, then backup lights, the electrical god's were smiling on you today Mike!

 

[Zymurgy]

First the door switch, then backup lights, the electrical god's were smiling on you today Mike!

Yes they were, and I still got in a 40 minute drive with the top down and the heater on.