Auto Glass: Dodge Stratus - rear window , power door locks, door hinge


Question
QUESTION: I have a 2001 Dodge Stratus a few years ago when I had to have the glass replaced in the Left front and rear windows I found out the rear window will not go up. The rear wimdow will go down but not up and I am not sure how long it was like that. I tried replacing the switch but still did same thing. Next I swapped out the motor and still same thing. Just recently now I found it will not go down any more.
Was wondering if there is a start pont when installing the glass or if replacing the motor. The vehicle has power door locks also but am not sure if there is any link between the two.

ANSWER: Hi John,

Based on what have told me I suspect that you have a broken wire(s) between the driver door and the body of the car.  If you look in the area of the driver door hinges, you will see a protective "boot" that covers the wires for the windows and locks.  I don't actually make this type of repair myself, so I can't give you any specific information on how to go about troubleshooting or solving the problem.  If your own mechanic isn't comfortable handling this for you, he will probably know someone in your are that specializes in auto electrical repairs.

Feel free to send a follow up question if there is anything else I can help you with.

Ben  .... the power window guy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Would the wire problem be something obvious? I have checked the hareness from the door hinge area but do not see anything obvious. I am thinking about seeing if I can replace the harness instead of trying to repair it.
Also there is a module at the fuse box I am not sure if it controls the windows though. Do you know if it does?

Answer
Hi John,

I can't answer your question about the "module" at the fuse box. That is just not in my area of expertise.

I use two methods to confirm the possibility of the broken wire.  Both require that you have a wiring diagram of the power window circuit so that you know which color wires control each of the four windows.  Sorry I don't have a wiring diagram available for this vehicle.  If you can obtain a diagram, you can use one of the two methods noted below.

1.  Use a meter or test light to confirm that the master switch is putting out power on both the up and down wire that lead to the left rear door.  Then check to be sure that you are getting power on the same two wires into the single switch on the left rear door.  If you have power out of the master switch, but not at the single switch, you almost certainly have a broken wire somewhere between the driver door and the left rear door.

2.  Another way to confirm the suspected broken wire problem is to use a spare 12V battery connected to the wiring harness at the master window switch.  By connecting the 12V battery to the master window switch wiring connector on the two wires that lead to the left rear door you should be able to roll that window up and down by reversing the leads from the battery.  It is a good idea to check this procedure by rolling up and down the driver or passenger window first to make sure you are doing it properly.  Once you confirm the procedure, if you can't move the left rear window with the same method, you most likely have a broken wire.

As for the best way to make the repair, I can't be of any help.  I don't make this type of repair.  I simply refer my customers to someone that specializes in electrical work.

Ben ... the power window guy