QuestionQUESTION: My driver window had been operating mostly fine until one day it simply would not go back up; am guessing it's the motor b/c it had been going up just a little slower. Last summer, my right rear passenger window wouldn't go up for a couple of minutes and then went up fine. It's been used quite a few times since w/ no problem until this week. It would roll up half way, stop, and then would go up a few inches after I'd stopped trying w/ the button (sounds crazy I know).
Could my main switch on the driver's door be having issues? How do I best proceed w/ a mechanic? As a woman, am completely suspicious of mechanics trying to take advantage.
ANSWER: Hi Sherry,
Your problem is a motor problem not a switch problem. As the motor begins to wear out and weaken, it moves slower and will even stop on occasion. Temperature and moisture affect the motor operation, so it may work fine one day and not work very well a few days later. Eventually, the motor will stop working completely.
Most mechanics are honest, but not too many are really good at fixing power windows. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a mechanic to replace your window motor.
1. Use a mechanic who regularly works on Toyotas. This motor problem is very common on Toyotas and an experienced Toyota mechanic will be able to do a good job at a reasonable price.
2. Don't pay for a Toyota brand window motor: it is over-priced. Your mechanic can purchase a new "after market" window motor with a life-time guarantee for about $60-$70. I recommend the Dorman brand.
3. Any mechanic who is familiar with this problem can replace the motor in about an hour. The "rate book" may call for more time, but if your mechanic is honest, you should only pay for the actual time it takes to do the job.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Ben .... the power window guy.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Is that the likely diagnosis for the rear passenger window also (Last summer, my right rear passenger window wouldn't go up for a couple of minutes and then went up fine. It's been used quite a few times since w/ no problem until this week. It would roll up half way, stop, and then would go up a few inches after I'd stopped trying w/ the button (sounds crazy I know))?
Thanks so much!
AnswerHello Again Sherry,
Yes, from what you describe it sounds like the window motor in that door is getting weak as well. Here is an easy way to check it out without taking the risk of ending up with a wide open window.
1. Roll the window down about 3 or 4 inches and stop.
2. Roll it back up to the top.
3. Repeat the process three, four, five, etc. up to eight or nine times.
If the motor is getting weak it should stop somewhere during this "test." If it does, you can wait a few minutes for the motor to cool down and you will be able to get it back up in one or two tries.
If the motor doesn't stop during this test, it still has some life left. However, when you roll the window all the way down it may still exhibit the "stopping" because it is doing a lot more work when it has to lift the glass up all the way from the bottom.
Ben .... the power window guy.
