QuestionQUESTION: Dear Ben,
We have a 2002 Ford Windstar. Several weeks ago, after starting the engine, I noticed that all of the power windows didn't work. But after about 30 seconds, they were all fine as usual so I thought nothing of it.
Last week, the passenger door window would not go down and stayed that way, but all the other windows were still ok.
Two days ago, the driver's door window and the right rear vent window stopped operating, but the left rear vent window is still ok.
So at this moment, three out of the four power windows are inoperable. The good news is that when each stopped working, they quit in the closed position. When each window stopped operating, there was no noise and no movement whatsoever.
Ben, please give me your opinion as to what is wrong. I would like to try to fix this myself if possible.
If you need any further information, please let me know.
Your answer will be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Bob Vartigian
ANSWER: Hello Bob,
You have a very unusual situation, so there are several things that might be causing the problems. Below are a couple things you can do without any tools or technical expertise.
If I remember correctly, your Windstar has more than one "power window" fuse. Check your owners manual to determine the number of fuses and their locations and then make sure those fuse(s) are okay.
The most common window problem that occurs on the vintage of Windstar is a locked up window motor on either the driver or passenger door. You can "test" this situation with the following steps.
1. Start the engine with the shift level in park.
2. Open the driver door.
3. Press and hold the driver window switch button "down" with your right hand.
4. While continuing to hold the switch button down, pull the door shut firmly with your left hand.
5. Repeat the same procedure on the passenger door.
This "test" is an attempt to un-stick the motor. Try it a couple more times if it doesn't work the first time.
Your problems could also be caused by window switch failures or broken window control wires. There is not much you can do to test these types of problems without the proper tools and technical resources.
I am leaving on a short vacation so I won't be available for a follow up question until next week.
Ben ... the power window guy
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Ben,
Thank you for your response. I checked all the window fuses under the dash and under the hood and they are all ok. The "test" for unsticking the motors did not make any difference. Also, one further thing to report is that the left rear vent window (the only window that still works) did not work for three consecutive tries over this weekend, and then it worked again.
Any other ideas on what would cause all windows to stop operating at once for a very short time, then all be ok for weeks, then lose the right front separately, then lose the left front and right rear at the same time, and then this weekend lose the left rear temporarily?
Thank you so much for your being there and helping.
Sincerely,
Bob Vartigian
AnswerHello Again Bob,
When a window works one day and doesn't work the next and then works again some time later, the problem is usually not in the switch.
Even though you "tested" for a motor problem on both doors, it is still a possibility that one of the door or cargo area window motors could need replacing.
However, it seems more and more likely that your problem is a wiring issue. Most window wiring problems occur at the bundle of wires that run through a rubber "boot" between the driver door and the body of the vehicle. After thousands of door openings and closings the plastic insulation around the wires cracks and eventually breaks can occur.
I believe you need to consult a mechanic who has experience tracing and repairing this type of problem.
Ben ... the power window guy
