QuestionMy '02 Chevy Suburban drivers side window goes down but not up. I was told that I needed to replace the regulator(and motor?), but I see that some people have to replace or clean the switch. How do I know which way to go?
Thanks!
AnswerHi Bob,
The most common problem I see with this vehicle is a faulty window motor. The motor is not doing much work when the window goes down. The motor is doing a lot of work when it has to raise the window, so it is not unusual for it to overload when the window is going up.
If your window will go up even a little bit, then you definitely don't have a bad switch. If the window is all the way down and doesn't move at all when you press the switch and you don't hear any motor noise, try this.
1. Start the engine with the vehicle in "Park."
2. Open the door.
3. Press and hold the window switch in the "up" position with your right hand.
4. With your left hand pull the door shut hard.
If your motor is failing, closing the door while you apply power to the motor may "jog" it enough to get it to run long enough to raise the window.
If you do have a bad motor, I recommend you replace the complete motor and regulator assembly. The cable regulator portion of the mechanism is also prone to failure and it won't cost you much more to replace the entire assembly than it will to replace just the motor.
If the above recommendation doesn't get the motor to run, you need to go to a mechanic who is comfortable with electrical repairs. This is not a task for some one without the proper tools and training. Switches are expensive and cannot be returned.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I will be happy to help.
Ben .... the power window guy.
