Question2002 Chrysler 300M Special V6 (K)
Roland, Two problems (could be related??): #1 - Driver's window failed to work. After a few weeks, it began working again, but the passenger's side quit. Then it started working. This week, both are not working. Back windows fine. It seems there is power to the driver's switch, since the AC fan "dims" a little from the load with the key on/engine off.
#2 - Also, with the headlights in Auto, the lights will occasionally flash on/off rapidly. I can turn them off and the Auto setting will work again -- happens rarely but can even happen with the car just sitting (off) at night in the driveway! Thanks for any ideas.
AnswerHi Sandy,
The power for all the windows first passes through the driver's switch (which is actually 9 different switches. When the driver window doesn't work (but others do) it could be either the switch contacts or the motor. When the passenger won't work you have to add in the possibility that the passenger switch or its motor is the issue. I would say that if you detect a current draw (the fan 'dimming') that would suggest to me a problem with the motor binding up due to an internal electrical problem or mechanical friction in the lift (regulator). The only way to diagnose which is to remove the switch (the front door switch can be gently pried out of its surrounding bezel for access to the wires to diagnose whether the problem is the switch or not; the passenger switch has to be accessed by removing the interior door trim panel) and if that proves out to check the motor inside the door. The motion control is accomplished simply by reversing the electricial polarity on the motor which is part of the switch function so it is all self-contained in the doors, with the only external wiring of the system being the incoming power to the driver switch and the outgoing ground wires, both of which are routed through the door hinge to locations in the dash. So if any windows work it pretty much has to be a problem with a window switch or the local motor or the wires that connect them (which of course are numberous). Intermittents are probably due to internal switch contacts becoming oxidized, although a flaky wire is not out of the possible. You could remove the driver's switch and with a spray can of electical contact cleaner with a straw applicator squirt fluid into the interior of the switch through any holes or cracks. That may solve the problem, but no guarantees.
The headlights flashing may be related to the theft security system being alarmed spontaneously due to a less than firmly latch door. Try pushing outward on each of the doors from inside, and see if any of them will cause the interior lights to come on. If you find one, then move the door latch stricker that is mounted in the door frame inward a fraction of an inch so that it is more firmly closed. That may circumvent the flashing of the headlamps.
Roland
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