Power Windows Misbehaving on '92 Saturn SL1 - Help

[Tom]

Hi, I've got a '92 four door Saturn SL1 w/ power windows. Only the left
front will go up and down using the power window switch in the console
between seats. All four windows will go down using the console switches .
Right now the right front window is hallway down and it will not go up but
will go down using the window switch in the console. Is there any way I can
get the right front window closed?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[navaidstech]

I don't have power windows in my SL1 but looking at the schematic it
looks like power to the switch, the motor and the two wires going to
the motor are OK, otherwise you wouldn't see the window go down.
It would appear that you have a faulty switch, the rocker contacts not
quite making it to the "UP" position.
If you have an ohmeter, you could check whether the contacts are
making it.
If you have a digital voltmeter, it will allow you to see the voltage
going to the motor. In one direction it will show you +12 volts
(approx) and -12 volts in the reverse direction. Be careful if you're
measuring with an analog meter or you will pin the needle with
negative voltage, just give the switch a little tap to check for
movement. Measure accross the TAN and DARK BLUE with WHITE tracer
wires. (Switch contacts 2E and 2F).
I'm not sure if those switches can be disassembled, you could try
taking it apart and cleaning out the connections to get rid of
oxidation, corrosion, etc. I've been lucky with VW switches in the
past but can't say whether the Saturn ones case be taken apart.

Otherwise get a replacement switch. Unfortunately you can't buy them
separately.

Now... if you have good voltage leaving the switch (ie. +12 and -12)
then your problem might be the motor itself or there is something
binding the window and preventing it from coming up.

 

[Tom]

I don't have power windows in my SL1 but looking at the schematic it
looks like power to the switch, the motor and the two wires going to
the motor are OK, otherwise you wouldn't see the window go down.
It would appear that you have a faulty switch, the rocker contacts not
quite making it to the "UP" position.
If you have an ohmeter, you could check whether the contacts are
making it.
If you have a digital voltmeter, it will allow you to see the voltage
going to the motor. In one direction it will show you +12 volts
(approx) and -12 volts in the reverse direction. Be careful if you're
measuring with an analog meter or you will pin the needle with
negative voltage, just give the switch a little tap to check for
movement. Measure accross the TAN and DARK BLUE with WHITE tracer
wires. (Switch contacts 2E and 2F).
I'm not sure if those switches can be disassembled, you could try
taking it apart and cleaning out the connections to get rid of
oxidation, corrosion, etc. I've been lucky with VW switches in the
past but can't say whether the Saturn ones case be taken apart.

Otherwise get a replacement switch. Unfortunately you can't buy them
separately.

Now... if you have good voltage leaving the switch (ie. +12 and -12)
then your problem might be the motor itself or there is something
binding the window and preventing it from coming up.

Thanks for making the effort to figure this out. It maKEes sense it's the
switch block. the two rear windows will go down using the switches on the
center console but will not go up using those switches. However, they do go
up/dpwn using the switches on the rear door panels. I've removed the switch
block from the console but don't see how I can clean the switches. Do you
see any online resources that describe the console switch block?

Tom

 

[navaidstech]

HI Tom...

ok, looking at the schematic again trying to pinpoint exactly what
might be causing this.
Let's summarize here: Console switches will bring all windows down but
only driver's side up. The switches located in rear door panels will
bring windows up and down, correct?
Sorry for the questions but I just need to clarify. It would seem that
you could have multiple problems or just one common problem that is
causing this issue.

I don't know of any online resources that will explain the operation
of this switch. THe switches I worked on usually have these "catches"
on each side, in order to open it up you would have to gently pry them
with a flat head screwdriver and slowly open it up....make sure it is
slow as there are a number of loose rocker contacts and possibly
springs that might pop out.
Before you do anything with the switch I would suggest taking a
digital picture of it so you know what it looks like assembled. I
would also take a few pics of the "guts" as well.

But before you do anything, let me know what the switches do for you
and we'll take it from there.

ALex

 

[Tom]

HI Tom...

ok, looking at the schematic again trying to pinpoint exactly what
might be causing this.
Let's summarize here: Console switches will bring all windows down but
only driver's side up. The switches located in rear door panels will
bring windows up and down, correct?

Hi Alex,

Yes, that's correct.

Sorry for the questions but I just need to clarify. It would seem that
you could have multiple problems or just one common problem that is
causing this issue.

I don't know of any online resources that will explain the operation
of this switch. THe switches I worked on usually have these "catches"
on each side, in order to open it up you would have to gently pry them
with a flat head screwdriver and slowly open it up....make sure it is
slow as there are a number of loose rocker contacts and possibly
springs that might pop out.

I removed the switch box from the console. It appears the individual
switches
are held secureluy in place w/ at least four phillips screws.

Before you do anything with the switch I would suggest taking a
digital picture of it so you know what it looks like assembled. I
would also take a few pics of the "guts" as well.

Will do.

But before you do anything, let me know what the switches do for you
and we'll take it from there.

Not sure I understand this one.

 

[Tom]

But before you do anything, let me know what the switches do for you
and we'll take it from there.

The switches lower/raise the power windows. It is ninety-five degrees w/
high humidity today. Not being able to raise that window w/ the air
conditioning on is killing me. Last ditch effort I removed the switch mount
then with a flat blade screwed driver tried to clean the switch contact for
that window. After twenty minutes of fiddling w/ it jiggiling the switch
then manually pulling up the window I managed to get it closed. Now I've
got to block that switch so people don't use it 'til I get it fixed.

Tom

 

[navaidstech]

Good for you.... I sent you an email to your account BTW.

Alex

 

[Tom]

Good for you.... I sent you an email to your account BTW.

Alex

ThaNKS Alex, but I don't post my return email address due to spam. I'll
receive emails if they are sent to soi_01 at yahoo dot com

 

[navaidstech]

ThaNKS Alex, but I don't post my return email address due to spam.  I'll
receive emails if they are sent to soi_01 at yahoo dot com

No problem Tom... I emailed you at your earthlink account
(<[email protected]>)....
I don't even remember what I wrote anymore...