This week we check out a 1997 Ford Taurus with power windows that all just stopped working.
This weekly Q&A session answers your questions about cars and trucks. This week explores a 1997 Ford Taurus with power windows that do not work.
Question: 1997 Ford Taurus Power Windows
I've read all the articles I can find on power window issues that I can find, however, I haven't found one that has addressed mine...
One motor was bad when I bought the car, but the other 3 windows stopped working simultaneously one day. The power door locks stopped working, as well. I've checked all fusible links and installed a new relay. I'm getting power to the motors and switches, but they still aren't working.
The only other thing I can think of would be that the switches are bad, however, I'm assuming the odds of them all going at once seem astronomical. Is there anything else that I may have missed that could be causing this?
Thank you, Joanna
Answer:
Troubleshooting the power windows can be a little tricky. There are many things that can cause all the power windows to go out at the same time. In the instrument panel there is a relay that supplies power to the power windows. Since they all went out at the same time it would be a pretty good bet that this relay is bad. This is assuming you have checked all the fuses and circuit breakers and they are all good.
Another possibility is the master window switch. These often go bad and cause the windows not to work. You will need a wiring diagram to troubleshoot this. When you have the wiring diagram follow the wiring from the relay to the master power window switch. With a test light check for power as you go. When you get to the switches, and you'll need to check each one, press the switch first up then down and check the corresponding wire for power. If you have power into the switches but not out, you probably have a bad master window switch.
But before you go replacing it, check all the ground wires and be sure you have good grounds. Also, check the wires between the body and the door. They are inside a rubber tube so you will need to cut into it to check them. Quite often they will break there from flexing from opening and closing the door.
That's all for this week. Feel free to browse the archives for past topics and other resources. And, as always, if you are stuck and need an immediate answer you can always call Vince on the phone.
