How to Test Power Window Switch With Multimeter
Introduction
A power window is a device that helps you to open and close your car door windows easily. It has a manual or automatic switching option. In the case of an automatic system begins to work as soon as you turn on the ignition key in your car and stops when you turn it off. This device has some wires that start working after pressing the switch, so we can say that this wire is active. Today I will be discussing how to test the power window switch with a multimeter. So let us get started.
Summary: One way to test the power window switch is to use a multimeter. First, find the black and red wires that run to the switch. Connect the black wire to one probe of the multimeter and the red wire to the other probe. Turn the switch on and off several times to make sure that the multimeter reads a voltage. If the power window switch isn’t working, the reading on the multimeter should be around 0 volts.
Step-wise Guide on How to Test a Window Power Switch with a Multimeter
Unscrew and Remove the Lid:
After you verify that the power window switch is bad, carefully remove the lid of it. If your car has power windows, it will have a three-pronged power window switch connected inside the door panel. The switch plugs into a larger wiring harness within the door and can be tested by hand without removing any electrical components inside the door.
Pry the Power Switch Off:
To remove the power window switch, first, disconnect the two lugs from the larger wiring harness. Then, using a screwdriver, pry the switch off the door. It will be held in place by clips around its perimeter but can be pried up once these are released.
Removing the Connectors:
To test your power window switch, disconnect all electrical connectors on both ends and set them aside. The outer insulation on almost all power window switches is brittle, so don’t pull too hard, or you’ll break it off completely. Instead, submerge any connector without a pair of needle-nose pliers as you gently pull. Once the connectors are removed, set them aside.
Set Your Multimeter on Continuity Mode and Test the Switch:
Power window switches can be tested with a multimeter by measuring continuity in their switch contacts. Pressing the power window switch should make contact between two copper contact strips inside your power switch. If this happens, a good electrical connection has been made that corresponds to the position of the power window switch, and you should hear an audible click from both ends of your power window switch when you push it down or pull it up. However, if no click is present while making these tests, your power switch is bad and cannot be repaired with new parts alone (the entire assembly must be disassembled and replaced). Use a multimeter to confirm continuity in both switch positions before you replace your power window switch.
Testing the Fuse:
Use a multimeter or test light and verify that the fuse for your power window motor is not blown out by placing it across the terminals of the corresponding fuse on your vehicle’s main fuse box. If there is no current going through this circuit, ensure that your ground wire from the car battery has a good connection (remove any corrosion and try again). If it still doesn’t work, check all circuits related to power windows inside the door panel.
Check for Jams and Broken Mechanisms: Before you test your power window switch, it’s best to check that the window is fully up and try opening or closing it again to see if it has any jams. Suppose your windows are sticking, then put some lubricant such as WD-40 on them and try operating the switches several times. A good way to do this is by holding both ends of the power switch assembly (one in each hand) while pushing it down or pulling it up. This will allow you to place pressure on all parts of the mechanism at once, shortening its cycle time considerably and causing excess wear over time for these mechanisms (allowing more grit inside your door panels).
Put the Switch Back on or Install a New One:
Once you have a good idea about whether or not your power window switches are broken, you can decide what to do next. If they’re still working properly, make sure that the mechanism is in good shape and put it back on (if possible). If either switch has disintegrated or if one of them doesn’t work properly, don’t hesitate to buy a brand new one from your car dealership.
Precautions While Learning How to Test Power Window Switch With Multimeter
Reminder for Inexperienced Multimeter Users:
If you are a beginner using a multimeter, removing the negative (-) probe from its contact is always good before plugging in your power window switch. This will protect you from getting an electrical shock if, by chance, you have some current going through your car battery.
This simple step can save you from injury and prevent damage to your power window parts.
Once you’ve set all other electrical components aside, turn the ignition on and ensure that the headlights come on after inserting and removing your key two or three times (this is a sign that both circuits for the headlight dimmer are working). Further, test this circuit by turning on just one lamp and then trying to activate the second one (check that both headlights’ bright and dim settings are working). It’s a good idea to test these circuits even if they work because sometimes, after parking your car overnight, a wire can become damaged inside the door panel, causing headlight failure.
Power Window Switches with No Click: If there is no audible click at either end of your power window switch when it is moved up or down, you have an open circuit in some part of this electrical circuit. You should first check for corrosion on any metal parts within your door panel. Corrosion builds up especially next to the switches themselves and, over time, causes wires to break internally within those mechanisms. Check all contact points for signs of corrosion, such as greenish-colored blobs, and remove them with a wire brush (a sandpaper block works well for this).
Next, you should check that all your power window switches make good contact by rubbing a pencil or toothpick across the switch’s contacts. If they’re dirty, then clean them off with some electrical cleaner. You can also use an eraser if the surface is not too worn out already. It’s also important to note that excessive wear on those contacts will cause them to break down over time, causing similar problems as corroded points do.
How Do I Know if My Power Window Switch Is Bad?
If your vehicle’s driver-side window regulator has failed, a power window switch could be the culprit. Sometimes an intermittent “click-click” noise is considered the same problem, but it is not related in most cases. The following procedure will help you test for bad switches:
When both windows and sunroof are part of the system (sometimes called an “All-Window System”), both front windows should move up when either one is pressed all the way down. They may also work if only one door switch is used on each front door (single “window rocker” switches). Try pressing the clicker on just one door while someone else tries lowering that window from inside the car. If nothing happens when you press this switch, the problem is in your switch.
If only one window goes up or down when you press the switch (all other windows are fine), check to see if this regulator is good. If it sometimes works but not always, ensure that dirt and debris aren’t blocking its path to the motor. The regulator may be dirty or worn out and needs replacement. Also, make sure that corrosion has not gotten inside the regulator case preventing it from working properly. Most likely, though, your power window switch is bad.
How Do I Reset My Power Windows?
Resetting power windows is a relatively simple procedure.
- Ensure the ignition switch is in the “ON” position and all doors are closed. This will lock out all buttons and switches on the console. From this point forward, the driver’s window must be down to reset any other power windows.
- Unlock all doors (if not already unlocked) using your keyless entry remote.
- Turn off your car using the ignition switch, then turn it back on within 5 seconds (turning off and on again resets the computer which controls your power windows). 4. Press both front door lock buttons simultaneously for at least 3 seconds. If done correctly, your rear passenger side windows will raise and lower 2 times, and your power windows will be reset.5
- All of your doors are now unlocked, and all power windows should function again. If any buttons are still not functioning, repeat this procedure for the third time.
NOTE:
This method does not work on the passenger side, so you must use the driver’s door remote to unlock it before performing this procedure if you want to reset the passenger window from inside the vehicle. Again, perform this procedure from outside the car if possible.
Conclusion
Lastly, I hope you have obtained a proper idea about how to test power window switch with multimeter from this article. Ensure proper safety while performing the process. Thank you, and have a nice day!
Louis Wein
Louis has always been fascinated by cars. He loves the way they look, the sound of the engine, and how they make him feel when he's driving. He is always keen to learn more about different mechanics of cars and how the engine contributes to other aspects of the car. As an automotive technician with over 10 years of experience, he knew how they worked and loved taking them apart to see how they went back together. He was especially interested in the mechanics of combustion engines and loved finding ways to make them more efficient. He loves to work on cars and help people keep their vehicles running smoothly. As a senior editor, he enjoys contributing to Diy quickly because it allows him to share his knowledge and expertise with others.
