Window not working

Tiny
BOOKNEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD WINDSTAR
Have a 98 Windstar 3.8 liter with 120,000 miles. The passenger side window will not roll down. How can I test the plugs to see if it is the switch. The master switch for that window will not work it either. All other switches work. Also the abs and brake light have been on for awhile. Anything I can do to fix them. Thanks
Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 AT 9:16 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
TAURUSWHEEL
  • MECHANIC
  • 718 POSTS
Well, an easy way to test if there's power is just to hit the right side window button, hold it there for a second or two and watch the interior lights for dimming, you'll know in a second if there's power to the motor. I would probably think the motor is shot, wear, tear, and water will do them in. Of course you can remove the door panel and check for volts at the connector. As for the abs and brake light, are you talking two seperate dash lights. The abs light, usually yellow or orange, will have a code stored which can be pulled with a scanner. If there's a brake light, I think it's usually red, that could be low fluid, parking brake mechanism not fully released, bad parking brake light switch, etc. Or a problem with pressure differential system, probably a good idea to get the engine system scanned, most autoparts stores will do it for free, make sure you write down what code numbers.
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Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 AT 10:35 PM
Tiny
SPOPETE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 2.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 237,000 MILES
I've had the van since 77,000 miles. Various electrical issues throughout 10 years ownership. Currently the passenger window won't go down with power button. Read wiper won't work. Sometimes the overhead light comes on and stays on until I give the car some gas and then goes off but goes back on at the stop sign. On and off the door open signal light comes on and/or goes off.

How do I troubleshoot to find these problems? My mechanics said I'd have to take it a specialist in electrical problems, but that would cost more than the car is worth. Overall great transportation.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Unless you have a deep understanding of electrical circuits, this isn't going to be for you.

I can help you out with the door ajar issue though.

The switches that control the lights for open doors are made right into the door latches and they have a history of sticking and causing problems like that.

Here is a technique that often works well and eliminates the problem at no cost.

Get a can of spray lube like WD40 or something like it and has a straw on the nozzle. Spray it generously up into the latch mechanism. Now open and close the door numerous times to work it in. Repeat this process several times. Since you don't really know which door is causing the problem, you should do all of them. It's usually caused by the most frequently used door but it's not guaranteed to be that one.

If this doesn't work, you may need a new latch and switch.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THIS IS MIKE
  • MECHANIC
  • 686 POSTS
SpoPete
August 28, 2015.

Thanks, I'll try that. The electrical circuits act like they are possessed. When I bought the car the check engine light was off. As soon as I went to get the car inspected the light came on and stayed on for a couple thousand miles and then went off. Since then it comes on and goes off without logic.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
You would have to get the codes read to have any idea why that is on.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAMBOSQUEST
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 FORD WINDSTAR
Electrical problem
1995 Ford Windstar 6 cyl Automatic

Hi I have a ford windstar 1995 my electric windows were working yesterday but when I tryed to attach the inside light my windows stopped working and my light dose not work ither have you any suggestions or diagrams I think I may have blown a fuse but I have no way of knowing which fuse dose what no manual
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Fuse 17 I believe is the one.

You should check all fuses while your at it, get a test light and with the key on, check for voltage on the metal tabs located at the top of the fuse. If you find one that lights on one side and not the other, fuse is blown.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRITISH JOE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1995 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
The power windows of my 1995 ford windstar wont go down I need help in repairing them
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check and test all the fuses in I/P fuse panel and fuse J in engine compartment fuse box-if all okay could be the generic electronic module or the master switch, battery saver relay and the delayed accy relay-a lot of checking and testing involved-
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CURTIS CRAWFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 FORD WINDSTAR
1995 Ford Windstar 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive

Yesterday I run the window down and now it will not go back up I have pulled the door panel off and can hear a click at tthe motor when I push the button to run the window up but nothing happens
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
If you can hear a clicking from the motor when moving the switch up then most likely you have a bad motor. But you will have to make sure you have a ground and battery voltage to the motor to be sure you have a bad motor.I found a motor with regulator for 47 plus shipping and I have a 5 percent off discount code they gave me I would share with you.
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 3:13 PM (Merged)

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