Thread: Window wont go down how do I know if its the regulator, motor, or switch?

Originally Posted by aspivek

I just bought a very clean 01' Grand Prix GT Coupe that is very good shape. The only problem with the car is that the drivers side window doesnt work. The dealership told me it was the regulator and they didnt fix it cause it would be 300+ dollars. I also work at a dealership so I can get one at cost from Napa or Federated for about 100.00 with a motor and im sure I can do it myself. I just dont understand why it would be the regulator if nothing happens when you hit the switch, seems like it would be a bad motor or switch. Is there anyway I can figure this out without tearing into the car?

First things first. An old trick my dad taught me is, when the car is turned on, hold the switch down with one hand, and close the door pretty hard with the other. Sometimes the window can get stuck and this helps jar it loose.

If that doesn't work, I would suspect a bad switch. I have had luck taking mine apart and cleaning them. But you may not feel up to that. But I would pull the switch out of the door panel and make sure you are getting 12V going to the switch and 12V leaving when the switch is pressed. If not, replace the switch. Otherwise, move on to the regulator/motor assembly.

Originally Posted by That Guy

I have a similar problem except mine wont go up sometimes. I thought it was a loose connection to the switch so I removed the switch panel and messed with the connections but I couldn't find any that were the source of the problem. The window just goes up at random it seems but it goes down no problem.

I don't mean to hyjack the thread

you may want to check this out...i had the same problem recently and doing this cleared it all up http://www.grandprixforums.net/window.php

Originally Posted by aspivek

I just bought a very clean 01' Grand Prix GT Coupe that is very good shape. The only problem with the car is that the drivers side window doesnt work. The dealership told me it was the regulator and they didnt fix it cause it would be 300+ dollars. I also work at a dealership so I can get one at cost from Napa or Federated for about 100.00 with a motor and im sure I can do it myself. I just dont understand why it would be the regulator if nothing happens when you hit the switch, seems like it would be a bad motor or switch. Is there anyway I can figure this out without tearing into the car?

i had this problem... i was under the impression that i would have to buy the whole new set up, but i took the door panel off and found out that the cable was just jammed so you may want to check that out first