Auto Glass: power window failure, drivers one touch, ford taurus

Question
QUESTION: 97 ford taurus
both front windows do not operate at all. rear windows seem to be fine. replaced drivers 'one touch' window relay switch under dash fuse box. problem unchanged...any suggestion?

ANSWER: Hi Ken,

The most common problem I see on this vintage Taurus is a failed window motor.  Typically, the motor on either front door will go down, but not go back up.  

In your case, I am guessing that both windows stopped working at the exactly the same time. That would indicate some sort of an electrical problem rather than a motor problem.

Get back to me with more information about when/how the windows stopped working and tell me what your electrical / mechanical skill levels are and I will try to help identify what is wrong.

Ben  .... the power window guy.

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

QUESTION: hi ben, the both windows did NOT go at the same time, however it was within a week or two of each other. passenger side went out 1st about a week later it worked for awhile and quit again. 1-2 weeks later the driver side quit ...never to return.

thanks...ken

Answer
Okay Ken,


Based on the new information, I suspect that the window motors are the most likely problem.  Fortunately, there is a simple way to "test" this theory that requires no tools or mechanical experience.  Try these steps and let me know what happens.

1.  Sit in the driver's seat and start the vehicle with the shift indicator in "park."

2.  Open the driver door.

3.  With your right hand reach over to the master window switch.  Now, press and hold the button to lower the driver's window.

4.  With your left hand pull the door shut hard.

5.  If the window doesn't work the first time, try the procedure again.

6.  Now do the same thing on the passenger door.

If these steps don't get the windows moving again, send me another follow up.  Be sure to let me know your level of mechanical skills and equipment if your interested in trying to repair this yourself.

If your window motors start working again, the fix will be temporary.  If you intend to keep the vehicle for any length of time you will need to replace the window motors fairly soon.

Ben  ... the power window guy