Auto Glass: driver side window doesnt work, fuse panel, ford taurus

Question
QUESTION: Hi Ben. I have 01 Ford Taurus. My driver side window usually doesn't work at all.All other windows work without any problem. Like many others, I hear a clicking noise underneath the dashboard but nothing happens. I said "usually" because the windows sometimes works when inside the car is cool, for example, in winter in the first 4-5 minutes after I start the car, and in summer when the A/C is working. Is this a motor problem, regulator problem or something else?

Thanks
Bekir

ANSWER: Hello Bekir,

I think there is a high probability that the motor is the problem.  If the problem was in the switch, the window would be far less likely to work occasionally.  

The next time the window does not respond to the switch you can try the following "test" to confirm that the motor is the problem.

1.  Start the engine with the car in "Park."

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

3.  With your right hand press and hold the switch button for the driver window "down".

4.  With your left hand shut the door firmly while holding the switch button "down".


If the window works you can be sure the motor is the problem.


Feel free to send me a follow up question if I can help in any other way.


Ben  ... the power window guy



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

QUESTION: Ben,
Thanks for your response. I did exactly what you said but nothing changed. Then I removed the cover on the passenger compartment fuse panel underneath the dashboard. I applied some pressure with my hand on the fuse (the fuse number 2) which is, according to the owners manual, controlling the power windows and the window worked. After I stopped applying pressure, it stopped operating again. I did this on and on, and every time I applied pressure, it worked and stopped when I stopped pushing the fuse. got really confused. so is this still a motor problem, or something else? if it is a motor problem, do you think I can replace the motor by myself?

Thanks
Bekir

Answer
Hello Bekir,

You are right, this is confusing.  

I believe the fuse you pressed is a common fuse for all four power windows.  So it doesn't make sense that the other three windows would work without pressing the fuse, but the driver window only works when pressing the fuse.  I think this was just some sort of coincidence, but maybe there is some quirk here that I don't understand.

Here are a couple more ideas that might help you determine the source of the problem.

1.  Look at the fuse diagram in the owners manual and find another system that uses the same size fuse as the power window circuit.  Take the fuse from the power window circuit and put in the other circuit and take the fuse from the other circuit and put it in the window circuit.  Now operate both circuits to see if the problem has "followed" the fuse.

2.  All the wiring for the power windows must come through a spot between the body of the car and the driver door.  That bundle of wires flexes every time you open and close the door.  Sometimes the wires fatigue and eventually break.  Try operating your driver window with the door all the way open, 2/3rds open, etc. and see what happens.

If either of these "tests" don't uncover anything, I think you are going to have to take your Taurus to someone with automotive electrical repair experience.  There are several electrical components in the window circuit that could be the cause of the problem.  You will need someone who has the resources to determine what is wrong.

Let me know how this eventually turns out.

Ben  ... the power window guy