Power windows stopped working?

Tiny
AHARTLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
None of the window's work. They quit. Where do I start? Fuses, relays, etc. One motor on the rear driver side is dead, has been for quite some time so it does not matter.
Friday, August 30th, 2024 AT 3:20 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,612 POSTS
Hi,

To get you started, I attached the wiring schematic below. Also, there is a power window relay that is involved here as well as a circuit breaker and a traditional fuse.

Since this uses a circuit breaker, the easiest thing to do is remove the relay (relay H), and check pin 30 for power.

If you look at pic 3 below, it is an enlarged pic of the relay (right side of dash relay box). Note there are 4 numbers indicated. When you remove the relay, it will have numbers on it the same as indicated in the picture. Determine which is pin 30 and using a test light, see if there is power present with the key in the run position (engine off).

If you can't identify the pin, probe one connector at a time where the relay connects. Two pins will have power and two won't. I need you to confirm that is what is happening.

Pic 4 shows the relay's position. The 5th pic below shows the radio fuse that needs to be checked as well. That powers the primary side of the relay. When you check it, make sure there is power to and from it.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

One last thought. The circuit breaker for the windows is located in the fuse box under the hood on the passenger side of the vehicle. See if you can find a different one having the same part number and switch them to confirm it is good. See last pic below for location.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, August 30th, 2024 AT 9:13 PM
Tiny
AHARTLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 113 POSTS
I have replaced the two under the dashboard, and found the one under the hood. Maybe once I get that replaced I will have working windows again. It is near impossible to find that circuit breaker around here.
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Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 AT 8:53 PM
Tiny
AHARTLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 113 POSTS
Is it at all possible that the battery could be bad and in order to preserve energy the computer would shut down something like the windows?
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Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,612 POSTS
Hi,

If the battery was faulty or weak, you should still hear some reaction from the window motor. They may run slower or just click.

If you are thinking the battery is weak, try connecting jumper cables with a different vehicle to see if that makes a difference. Even a battery charger could work.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
AHARTLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 113 POSTS
I kind of figured so. It was a long shot.
Thank you.
It is almost impossible to find that circuit breaker for that car around here, but I will keep trying.
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Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 AT 11:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,612 POSTS
If you can, let me know how things work out for you.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, September 5th, 2024 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
AHARTLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 113 POSTS
The circuit breaker tested okay, the fuses all tested okay, the relays are brand new. There is no power to the main switch on the driver side nor the switch on the passenger side, tested with a test light.
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Thursday, September 5th, 2024 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,612 POSTS
Hi,

If you aren't getting power to the switch and the circuit breaker is good, there has to be an open in the wiring between the two. How deep did you dig into the wiring?

Joe
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Friday, September 6th, 2024 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
AHARTLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 113 POSTS
I have not yet. I'm not quite sure where to begin.
I'd guess it might be a matter of starting at the switches and literally looking at them.
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Friday, September 6th, 2024 AT 8:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,612 POSTS
Hi,

If the power isn't at the switches, the problem is likely between the switches and the circuit breaker. Actually, it would have to be. Check the wiring between the door frame and the doors. See if one has broken. That wouldn't be uncommon.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, September 6th, 2024 AT 9:03 PM

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