Auto Glass: 2009 Tacoma right side window, electrical trouble, switch problem

Question
I have a 2009 Tacoma. Hot here in Texas so I always open the window a few inches when I park. This morning when I get ready to leave, the right side window won't go up or down. It's stuck two inches open. How do I check to tell if it's a switch problem or if the motor went out. Thanks for taking my question...rusty

Answer
Hi Rusty,

I have not seen any problems with this vintage (2005-2010) of Tacoma so I don't have any history on which to give you an opinion. But maybe I can suggest a couple things that will help you determine what is wrong.

First check to be sure your "lock out" button on the master switch is in the "unlocked" position.
If that's not the issue, move on to the next step below.

It is very unusual to have a window switch fail in both the up and down direction at the same time, so I suspect a motor issue first.  Try this little "test".

1.  Start the engine with the truck in "park" or "neutral" with the emergency brake on.

2.  Sit in the passenger seat and open the passenger door.

3.  Press and hold the window switch "down" with your left hand and close the door firmly with your right hand while continuing to hold the switch.  Often times, if the motor is just "stuck", it will start working again after you shut the door and "jog" the motor.


If the above "test" doesn't work, then you will have to pull the switch/door panel and check to see if you are getting power into the switch, power out of the switch, and power at the motor.  It helps to have a wiring diagram, but if you have any electrical trouble shooting experience, you can usually figure out which wires from the switch lead to the window motor.

Feel free to send a follow up question once you have tried what I have suggested.

Ben ... the power window guy