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Demonically Possessed Power Window

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    Demonically Possessed Power Window

    Condensed failure timeline (2003 Crown Victoria P73, approx. 250,000 well cared for highway miles):

    1) May 2020 (at the height of COVID closures and drive-thru only), my driver's window failed to function on one of the first 85+ degree days. After the evening settled in and cooled, widow worked as normal.

    2) Usual fiddling with connectors, banging on door, cycling switch etc, mixed results. All other windows functional, no problems.

    3) Obtained cheap Chinese master switch, window worked fine until next 85+ degree day, then negative function once again.

    4) Purchased brand new Motorcraft lift motor. By that time, 90+ degree and central GA endless humidity had set in and put off screwing with window until fall.

    5)October 2020, installed new lift motor. Worked flawlessly at all ambient temps (yes, it still goes up over 85 here in October)

    6) April 2021, first 80+ degree day, driver's window negative function. RR window failed simultaneously. Removed RR motor. Only works in one direction. Permanently affixed RR window in "up" position until later date. After temp cooled, driver's window works again.

    7) Today. 85+ degree day, drivers window again completely negative function. Checked original switch (checks good). Reinstalled original switch. Still negative function. Weather cooled this evening. Window goes up and down as normal.

    What are the chances that the Motorcraft lift motor failed in the exact same failure mode as the original in a little less than one year's time? Has anyone else had similar gremlins, and if so, what was the solution. I'm getting very close to taking 000 buckshot to this damned thing!!! I could care less if the other three windows don't work properly, but I NEED the driver's window to work!
    sigpic
    United Socialist States of America
    (occupation government)

    #2
    Maybe a bad/corroded ground(s).
    I have been finding some bad grounds recently. Humidity doesn't help matters.

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by Mainemantom View Post
      Maybe a bad/corroded ground(s).
      I have been finding some bad grounds recently. Humidity doesn't help matters.
      True, that thought had occurred to me too. Do you or does anyone know where the ground(s) is (are) for this cobweb of circuits? I MISS MANUAL ROLL-UP WINDOWS!!!
      sigpic
      United Socialist States of America
      (occupation government)

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        #4
        Does anyone know where the power windows are supposed to ground on a 2003 CV? I have a 2005 FSM, but it hasn't been much help as far as where the grounds are physically located.
        sigpic
        United Socialist States of America
        (occupation government)

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          #5
          If it's like '98, all the window switch grounds splice together at some point and then ultimately ground to the body under the passenger side kick panel. Follow your A-Pillar down just in front of the door, and remove that panel. Since all the window switches ground to this point and the other windows are working, I don't think you need to remove that kick panel to check that ground point.
          Pin contacts on the driver window switch have been cleaned?
          Vic

          ~ 1989 MGM LS Colony Park - Large Marge
          ~ 1998 MGM LS - new DD
          ~ 1991 MGM LS "The Scab"
          ~ 1991 MGM GS "The Ice Car"

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by VicCrownVic View Post
            If it's like '98, all the window switch grounds splice together at some point and then ultimately ground to the body under the passenger side kick panel. Follow your A-Pillar down just in front of the door, and remove that panel. Since all the window switches ground to this point and the other windows are working, I don't think you need to remove that kick panel to check that ground point.
            Pin contacts on the driver window switch have been cleaned?
            Thanks for advising where the ground points are located, that's a huge help. But I agree, it seems it would be all (windows negative function) or nothing. Tried two different switches that check OK. Then tried a third known good one from one of my other Crown Vics. No driver's window action when it gets warm out/works fine after dark when it cools down!!! I'm going to fiddle with the ground anyway, if that doesn't have any effect, I guess I'll change the motor again! GGGGGrrrrrrrr. I just can't imagine it failing in exactly the same way after 6 months, but such is life when the demons get into your machines.
            sigpic
            United Socialist States of America
            (occupation government)

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              #7
              One of my Boxes was doing something similar on hot days only and a replacement motor fixed mine. So, my initial thought was the motor as well, but I agree that seems pretty unlikely the replacement failed in the same way. Seems like it would be a well known issue if those motors were prone to fail in that way.
              Vic

              ~ 1989 MGM LS Colony Park - Large Marge
              ~ 1998 MGM LS - new DD
              ~ 1991 MGM LS "The Scab"
              ~ 1991 MGM GS "The Ice Car"

              Comment


                #8
                Did you lube up the window tracks (silicone spray as per ford)? If the window is sticking. Might be the regulator as well, they're cable/cogged plastic belt in the whales, but thats usually found with a very noisy window while it still works.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by GM_Guy View Post
                  Did you lube up the window tracks (silicone spray as per ford)? If the window is sticking. Might be the regulator as well, they're cable/cogged plastic belt in the whales, but thats usually found with a very noisy window while it still works.
                  Yep, all works smooth as silk when it's functioning.
                  sigpic
                  United Socialist States of America
                  (occupation government)

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