QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2002 Ford Windstar and I am having a problem with the master switch. The two rear windows do not work at all when u hit switch. The driver's side window will work for a second then you hear a noise under the dash and then another and it will move again. It usually comes down about 75 percent each time. The passenger window works like its brand new. Another note when u hit the switch the lights dim. Do you have any idea what is causing this ?
ANSWER: Hi Matthew,
I don't have enough information to give you a definite answer. If you will send the answers to the following questions, I will have a better chance of making an accurate diagnosis.
REAR WINDOWS:
1. Did the rear windows both stop working at the same time?
2. Have you checked to see if there is a separate fuse for the rear windows?
DRIVER WINDOW:
1. When the window does go down, is everything normal, including the sounds it makes?
2. If you keep pressing the switch, will the window move past 75% down?
3. What happens when you try to raise the window after it has gone down part way?
4. If the window stops and won't respond to the switch, does it move 20 or 30 minutes later?
I will respond at the end of the day Friday.
Ben .... the power window guy
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The rear windows stopped at same time. Yes I have and it is fine. It goes down a little sluggish. If you keep pressing the switch it does nothing until I hear the click again. The window goes down and up sluggish. It moves within 5 seconds after it stops. I tested master switch and it works just fine. Oh yeah sorry the fuse is the same and it is fine. I never checked the relay switch though.
AnswerHello Again,
I am really stumped on the rear windows. I am reluctant to suspect the switch. It would be just too big a coincidence that both "open" contacts would fail at the same time. However, you may just have a bad connection on the "ground" wire. That would prevent the switch from completing the circuit to the rear windows.
On the driver door I would lubricate the glass run channels before doing anything else. Don't use any kind of lubricant but silicone. If you don't have any on hand, you'll be able to pick up a can at Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. for less than $5. Don't buy anything more expensive. Cheap silicone spray works just as well as expensive silicone spray.
If lubricating the glass channels doesn't get the window to move smoothly, I would suspect that the motor is beginning to fail. However, there is also a slim chance that you have some sort of restriction that is making it hard for the motor to move the regulator. You would definitely want to examine everything to be sure things were all normal before replacing the motor.
As for the relay, I believe the same relay is used to power both the driver and passenger window, so since your passenger window works well, I thing you can eliminate the relay as a potential problem.
Good Luck,
Ben .... the power window guy
