Power windows have become a standard feature in modern-day vehicles, offering convenience and comfort to drivers and passengers.
However, at times, drivers may face issues with their power windows, such as the driver-side window not working, which can be frustrating and affect the vehicle’s functionality.
Several reasons can cause a power window not to work on the driver side, ranging from electrical issues to mechanical problems with the window mechanism.
These issues can prevent the window from rolling up or down or cause it to get stuck in the halfway position, making it challenging for drivers to operate their vehicles.
If you’re facing this issue, it’s essential to identify the cause and take appropriate measures to fix the problem.
In this article, we will discuss some of the common reasons why a power window may not work on the driver side and provide possible solutions to help you restore the functionality of your power window and enjoy a hassle-free driving experience.
Why Is The Driver Side Power Window Not Working?
An incorrectly functioning fuse, motor, wires, and switch causes the power window to malfunction. I’ll get into the details so you can better understand how to fix it.
Check The Fuse Box Cover
Fuse checks may help you determine what is wrong when the driver window won’t work. It’s quite possible that the motor doesn’t make a sound, and there is no trembling from the glass as it moves.
In other words, you may not see anything when you press one of the four switches. The bad fuse may be at the root of the problem.
Broken Window Motor
The fault in the electric motor is a key factor contributing to the driver-side electric window not working.
On the left side of the unit, a gear attaches to the regulator, allowing the unit’s movement to be controlled.
It is necessary to push the power button on the door to turn on the motor. The regulator cannot be activated if this component becomes heated or fails. Now that the electric windows aren’t working, you can’t move them.
Regulator Problem
During window movements, a regulator is responsible. The regulator will remain static if both power windows are not working, so don’t push too hard on the control button.
There might be an interruption between the window regulator and cable due to this. It is pretty common when the cable comes off in the wrong direction.
Forget To Turn Off The Lock Button
Some people may be in your car while you let the lock button go. In this case, door locks can fail because the principles are flawed.
In other situations, the driver-side window button stops working due to extreme control of the lock-out button. In the same way, it is to blame when the power window on the passenger side doesn’t work.
Gasket Issues
Ideally, gaskets should prevent the car from getting wet and windblown due to hard rain and strong winds.
A torn, loose, or built-up unit may result in more friction if they are torn, loose, or even buildup. When your casement tries to open normally, it becomes too hard to operate with a regulator and faulty motor.
Bad Weather
Weather extremes such as snow and ice can not only leave frost inside the windshield but also prevent the windows from working as well.
Furthermore, the regulator can deteriorate gradually when temperatures are below freezing. You may find that your frame and glass freeze in the winter and cannot work.
Whatever efforts you make to force the regulator to work are unlikely to succeed. A number of factors cause electric casements to fail in extreme temperatures and freezing conditions.
Symptoms Of A Bad Or Failing Power Window Switch
With the power window switch, you can easily open and close the windows in your vehicle. Each window is equipped with switches, and a master panel is located on or near the driver’s door.
The fuse, motor, or regulator may fail and need replacing as time passes. You should watch for the following symptoms if you suspect your power window switch is defective:
Windows Work Sometimes
Often, a window’s power switch is responsible for it not closing properly after it has been opened. In the opposite scenario, the window may close well but not open properly.
There is a possibility that the switch is dying but that it hasn’t fully died. If you do not replace your power window switch before your window becomes stuck open or closed, you may have a problem.
It’s important to have your vehicle serviced and repaired as soon as you can because, in an emergency situation, the windows may need to be opened and closed quickly.
Your window switches must be inspected and/or repaired if they are not working correctly. Having properly functioning windows for emergencies is essential, so these problems should be immediately resolved.
Window Works From Master Switch Only
Sometimes the window may not work with its own switch, but the master switch can still operate it. As long as the power window switch is failing and the other window components are functioning, there is a reasonable chance that the power window switch is at fault.
Only One Window Stops Working
Symptoms of a failed power window switch could include one window not working, a blown fuse, or a bad relay.
When one window isn’t working, this is usually due to the switch, meaning a professional mechanic should replace your power window switch.
The mechanics will replace the switch and then test the windows to ensure the rest of the system functions correctly.
All The Windows Quit Working
The power window switches may not respond when you simultaneously press all of the windows, indicating that the electrical system is out of power.
In most cases, a bad relay or blown fuse is responsible for this problem. Another possibility is that the driver’s master switch is malfunctioning.
How to Fix a Passenger or Driver-Side Power Window Not Working in 3 Steps
Steps to fix a passenger or driver-side power window not working:
1. Test the Fuses with a Test Light
Make sure the fuses are in good shape by using a test light. It is possible to locate the fuses related to power windows on the back of the fuse box cover.
Put a prong into each divot on the top of the fuse and check that both sides of the fuse are powered. As soon as the fuses are working, you should check the wires. You should replace a blown fuse.
2. Check the Wires Leading to the Power Window Switch
Look for wires in the door jamb when you open the door. They are concealed behind a protective boot. Over time, wires may break because the doors open and close so often.
It is possible for wires to break if the boot is broken, allowing them to be exposed to the outside. Make sure the driver’s and passenger’s side doors are wired correctly. It is possible to repair broken or torn wires with a butt connector if the wires are broken or torn.
3. Check The Window Switch And Window Motor
In this case, the problem may be with the window switch if the fuses and wires are in good condition and the parts receive power. A broken window motor is usually the cause of a problem with one window.
The problem is likely the window switch if the problem occurs with more than one window. If you use a test light, you can find out whether the problem is with the controller or the window motor.
How to Get a Power Window Up Manually?
When a power window malfunctions, you may need to raise it. It is possible to manually raise the window if you can see some of the glass partially through the window. Firstly, turn on your car or set the ignition switch to the accessory position.
When you have done that, open the door and grab hold of the window between your hands. The palms of each of your hands should be as flat as possible on both sides of the glass.
Another person can raise the window while you do this by engaging the power window button. You will need to apply pressure with your hands in order to lift the window. If your hands or fingers are caught at the top of the window when it closes, be careful.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Driver-Side Power Window?
In most cases, you can fix a window when it doesn’t go up for $20 or less if you just need to replace a fuse. If it’s just the motor that’s malfunctioning, then you’re in luck. Replacement of power window motors typically takes 2.1 hours. In addition to the motor cost, you should expect to pay $120-$150 for labor.
Based on the make and model, it can cost anywhere between $200 and $300. This is just a statistic, and labor time can easily increase to four or five hours, which also raises the labor costs to about $100 or $200.
More complex repairs could cost $250 to $400 if the door has to be removed to access the motor. The cost of replacement parts and how easy it is to work on your car will determine the difficulty of repairing it.
Final Words
There are plenty of benefits to having power windows, and they are usually fairly easy to repair when they stop working. Your problem might even be fixable at home, depending on your situation.
But always, safety first – if you’re unsure of how the electrical parts work, ask an experienced mechanic for help or just have the work done at an auto shop. Keep your fingers out of places they may get crushed (gears or the top of the window, especially) while the power supply is still connected.
Leave a Reply