3 Main Reasons Why Power Windows Malfunction

Power windows are a convenience that most vehicle owners can't live without. With this technology, you can easily open and close your car windows with the touch of a button. But what do you do when they don't work anymore?



Faulty power windows can be a real hassle –– especially if the issue happens at night or in bad weather.

Take a look at three reasons why power windows fail.

The window switch is the part of the power window system that you press to open or close the window. If this component fails, your car's power windows will no longer function unless you fix the problem.

Window switch failure may occur for a few reasons, such as:

• Age. Over time, the window switch's inner workings can break down and cause power window failure.
• Mechanical damage. If something hits the window switch hit too hard, the switch itself can break and cause window failure.
• Water damage. Window switches are often near the door handle, where water and other elements may find their way in. The internal wiring system can short out and fail if the switch gets wet.

You can tell if the window switch is the problem if you hear the power window motor run, but the window glass doesn't move. You can press the switch in the other direction to confirm this problem. If the window moves, the switch might be to blame for the window failure.

Thankfully, window switches are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. And while the replacement part of the process is not difficult, only let an auto glass specialist do the job for you. An improper installation job can cause the rest of the power window system to malfunction.

The power window track is the part of the system that the window glass rides on as you push the window button up and down. Over time, the window track can bend or deform. This problem can happen if something hits the window while halfway open or if you forcefully raise or lower the window glass.



The tracks might also fail from exposure to water. Water can cause the power window track to rust and fail to hold the window glass properly. The window glass is likely to get stuck or fail to move smoothly. In some cases, the glass might fall out of the door or even break while still on the window track.

A faulty window track can also cause the window glass to fall out of alignment. You'll probably have serious difficulty when you want to close the window. You might also notice that the window glass doesn't seal properly when your pull up the window.

To fix a damaged power window track, an expert will probably need to replace the entire power window assembly if the window track proves very difficult to remove without collateral damage. The whole process can be pretty complicated for an average person, so make sure to have an auto glass specialist do the job for you.

Power window assembly can be expensive, so inspect the window tracks regularly to make sure they are in good condition. If you live in an area with a lot of snow, keep an eye out for rust. Rust can damage the power window tracks and cause the power windows to fail prematurely.

A broken wiring harness can be a major problem for any part of the vehicle, but the issue is quite serious with power windows. The power window system receives its power electrically and relies on a wiring harness to function.

The wiring harness connects the power window switch to the window motor and supplies power to the motor as well. If the wiring harness suffers serious damage, the power windows won't work anymore.

The damage might result from many things, including water damage, corrosion, or a physical break in the harness. For example, if something pinches or crushes the harness, the wires inside can break. As a result, the electrical current can't flow properly, and the windows will fail to operate.

In some cases, the damage may be so severe that the window motors themselves burn out. In other cases, the windows simply become very slow or difficult to open or close.

A broken wiring harness is a serious issue that you should repair as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may have to deal with costly repairs from burned-out motors or other deeply seated damage.

Tip: If you drive through deep water, have an auto window glass expert inspect the wiring harness afterward. You risk serious electrical damage if you assume that the windows are okay after you drive through the water.

If you have any questions about your car's window glass or need help with a repair, contact us at MS Glass Outlet. Our qualified staff can help you with any window or auto glass issue you might have. We're here to help, so don't hesitate to reach out!