Are you trying to find out why your power windows are not working and think you may be dealing with a broken power window switch? The majority of us face this issue from time to time with an older vehicle. You must address this as soon as possible, whether your switching method is automatic or manual.
In circumstances like a wet or snowy day, when you are unable to close the windows, a damaged window switch might result in significant inside damage. Testing a power window switch with a multimeter is a valuable skill for anyone dealing with automotive electrical issues. Power window switches are essential components in modern vehicles, allowing drivers and passengers to control the opening and closing of windows with ease. However, when these switches malfunction, it can lead to inconvenient situations. Multimeters, versatile tools for measuring electrical properties, come to the rescue by enabling us to diagnose and troubleshoot potential problems in power window switches.
If you are experiencing the same problem and want to find out if your switch is the issue, we will learn how to test the power window switch with a multimeter.
What Is a Power Window Switch?
A power window is a tool that makes it simple to open and close the windows on your automobile doors. It offers the choice of manual or automated switching. When you switch on your car’s ignition, an automated mechanism starts to operate and ends when you turn it off T his gadget has some wires that start working after pressing the switch, so we can say that this wire is active.
Before testing the power window switch, you may try a few things
Before the test itself, you can check the following items.
Step 1 – Check All Switches
The primary power window switch panel is placed inside your car near the driver’s seat. All of the windows may be opened and closed from the main panel. On each door, there are power switches as well. Inside your car, there are at least eight switches for the power windows. Examine each switch thoroughly.
Step 2 – Check the Lock Out Switch
The Lock-Out switch may be found on the power window switch panel, which is situated next to the driver’s seat. All additional power window switches, save those on the main power window switch panel, can be locked using the Lock Out switch. This safety lock occasionally interferes with power window switches. So, make sure the lock-out switch is turned on or off.
How to Test a Window Power Switch with a Multimeter
After correctly identifying the broken power window switches, you can now start the testing procedure.
Unscrew and Remove the Lid
After making sure the power window switch is damaged, carefully take off the lid. A three-pronged power window switch linked inside the door panel will be present if your automobile has power windows. The switch may be checked manually within the door without removing any electrical parts because it links into a bigger wire harness there.
Pry the Power Switch Off
First, disconnect the two lugs from the main wire harness in order to pry the power window switch out of the window. After that, pry the switch off the door using a screwdriver. It will be secured in place by clips around its edge, but once these are loosened, they may be pried up.
Removing the Connectors
To test your power window switch, remove all electrical connectors on both ends and set them aside. Almost all power window switches have brittle outside insulation; if you pull too hard, it will totally snap off. Instead, carefully pull any connector without a set of needle-nose pliers. Set the connections aside after removing them.
Set Your Multimeter on Continuity Mode and Test the Switch
By checking the continuity of their switch contacts, multimeters may be used to test power window switches. A connection between two copper contact strips within your power switch should be made when you press the power window switch. If this occurs, a strong electrical connection has been established that matches the position of the power window switch, and when you push down or draw up your power window switch, you should hear an audible click from both ends.
However, if there is no click detected throughout these tests, your power switch is broken and cannot be fixed with just replacement parts (the entire assembly must be disassembled and replaced). Before you replace your power window switch, make sure there is continuity in both switch positions with a multimeter.
Testing the Fuse
Place a multimeter or test light across the terminals of the relevant fuse on the main fuse box of your car to make sure the fuse for the power window motor is not blown. Check to see if your ground wire from the car battery has a good connection if there is no electricity flowing through this circuit (remove any corrosion and try again). Check all of the power window circuits within the door panel if the problem persists.
A good way to do this is by holding both ends of the power switch assembly—one in each hand—while lowering or raising it. This will enable you to exert pressure on every component of the mechanism at once, significantly reducing the mechanism’s cycle time and eventually leading to excessive wear (allowing more grit inside your door panels).
Put the Switch Back on or Install a New One
After determining whether or not your power window switches are damaged, you may choose what to do next. If they are still working properly, make sure the mechanism is in excellent condition and reinstall it if it is still functional (if possible). Buy a brand new switch from your auto dealership if either switch is broken or if one of them isn’t functioning correctly.
Read Also: How To Test ECU With Multimeter?
Conclusion
It’s not too difficult to test a power window motor. However, it can occasionally be difficult to tell whether your power window motor or window regulator is broken. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is to test the motor (as well as the regulator) before purchasing a replacement. If you don’t, you might have to replace something that is in good working order.
FAQs
Each power window has its own fuse, right?
Some cars have fuses for each power window, others have a single fuse that regulates them all. The power windows in your car may have numerous fuses, in which case each window probably has a separate circuit. This implies that if a window stops functioning, it is most likely the result of a circuit issue. If all of the windows suddenly cease functioning, the primary fuse that regulates all of the power windows is probably the cause. Consult the owner’s handbook to learn what kind of fuse arrangement your automobile has.
How can a window switch be tested with a test light?
Remove the negative battery terminal first. Locate the window switch after removing the switch panel. Connect one probe to the ground wire terminal and the second probe to the power wire terminal using the test light. If the light turns on, the switch is receiving electricity and is functioning as it should. If the light doesn’t turn on, though, the switch could be broken and has to be replaced.
How can I determine whether the power window switch is broken?
Your power window switch may malfunction for a number of reasons, and identifying the problem without clear symptoms can be challenging. The fuse should always be checked first if your power windows aren’t working properly. Replace the blown fuse to see if the issue is resolved. If the fuse is not the problem, the power window switch may be malfunctioning.