Power window issues

[DrDirty]

I have a '98 LeSabre Limited and the power windows are going out one at a time. It started with the passenger side rear, then passenger front, and now the driver side rear doesn't work. I can't imagine all those motors are going out at the same time so I'm going to be looking at fuses and wiring.

Any pointers on where to begin and how to go about finding the problem without wasting time chasing wild geese.

 

[MelsRegal]

You need a test light or voltmeter and check at any of the doors to see if you have power going to the motor to determine whether the motor has failed.

 

[HotZ28]

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[2007LucerneCXL]

Toss the driver's master control on the probable list based on the listed problems. As all windows go through it, if it's bad or going bad the windows will not work. If checking for power at the listed non-working windows, no power leads back to the MC in most cases.

 

[DrDirty]

Thank you both for the replies. I now know where to start.
I wondered about the master switch but didn't realize all the windows ran through it first. I had tried the individual controls at the windows and still got no response so I was a bit confused.

 

[RobR]

When its dark,operate each switch one at a time. If the lights dim,your problem isnt the switch. This is simplistic but may be of help.

 

[HotZ28]

When its dark,operate each switch one at a time. If the lights dim,your problem isnt the switch. This is simplistic but may be of help.

Could you elaborate on what the problem may be "If the lights dim"? Could it not be the switch?

 

[RobR]

So i had a problem with one of my windows not functioning. After some research on the web,it was suggested to narrow down whether the switch or the motor on the regulator was the problem. The above test was the way. If current is going through the switch to the motor,it will draw current from the electrical system when operated,dimming the lighting. In my case,i operated the switch,the lights didnt dim on that particular switch. I replaced the switch and problem was solved. If it was the motor,the dimming of the lights when the switch is operated would confirm that current was going to the motor,and the motor wasnt functioning. Assuming that the wiring is ok.

 

[HotZ28]

Thank you for clarifying, good job! We always appreciate the rest of the story!

 

[DrDirty]

I checked the master switch and it was so nasty from gunk falling into it over the years that I went ahead and replaced it. Only $29
The driver's side windows both work now but both passenger side windows are still non-functioning.

I operated the switch with the lights on but there did not seem to be any draw form the motor. I can hear a faint click in the motor when I try to operate the windows from the master switch or the door switches but it doesn't sound like the motor is trying to operate the regulator.

My multi meter seemed to have a blown fuse ( don't loan those things to your neighbor) so I wasn't able to check voltage at the motor. Could it be a power issue to the motor or is the motor most likely bad?

I'm thinking my next step is to take the motor out as it looks pretty simple and try operate it without if attached to the regulator to make sure it is not a seized regulator. Does this sound like the right path? I am not the best on these power windows.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

If you have a test light to just confirming it's getting power to the switch and motor in the rear windows is a little bit more on line. If you are not getting power to window(s) pulling the motors won't do much. I'll suggest if you have a 12VDC, or less, drill type battery I've used them to bench test 12VDC vehicle lights, motors, etc when not in the vehicle or to confirm if something in the vehicle was or was not operational, just another idea before pulling parts out.