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I'm having an intermittent problem with the power windows not working. Either they both don't work, or they both work normally. The problem comes and goes, but right now, the windows are stuck in the down position. Couldn't be a fuse, could it, because it comes and goes.

Submitted: 389 days and 1 hours ago.
Category: Car
Value: $9
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
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Optional Information

1995 Buick Riviera 3.8 non-superch

Already Tried:
Looked at the fuse, if I'm looking at the correct fuse. Don't suspect the fuse anyway since problem comes and goes.

Posted by GM-Frank 388 days and 21 hours ago.

Answer

 

Hello XXXXXXX,

 

The power windows on your Riviera are not fused, they are protected by what is known as a circuit breaker. This circuit breaker is in the rear fuse block. It will be labeled PWR WDO/SUNRF 25 amp.

 

It is possible the circuit breaker is intermittant, however it is more common to have either a poor connection at the master switch, or the switch may have failed.

The best way to check this is to remove the switch from the drivers door, and check to be sure you have 12 volts at the Brown wire to the switch. The passenger window switch received its power from the same circuit breaker, and can also be checked for the 12 volts at the Brown wire to that switch.

 

This tells you that your circuit breaker is OK if you have power at that Brown wire at both window switches.

 

Here's the diagram which shows the RH window motor and switch. Since you state that both windows are not functioning, you should solve both window problems with this diagram. The reason I sent this graphic, is with your drivers side express down feature, you could become easily confused. The first step is to simply check the basics.

 

 

 

graphic
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If you do not have power at the Brown wire at the switches, then you'll want to be sure you have 12 volts on both sides of the circuit breaker in the rear fuse block. Another area to keep in mind is where the wires pass through the door hinge area if you have no power to the switches. Ususally at the drivers door.

 

With the key on, be sure to check to see if the Passenger window goes up using the pass switch. If not, then you most likely do have a problem with no power on the Brown wire and you will need to focus on the Circuit Breaker and related wiring.

 

It is very uncommon to have both window motors fail at the same time, so I'm leaning toward a bad master switch. As well, it is not common to see both switches fail at the same time either.

 

So check the circuit breaker, and check for power at the brown wires at both switches with the key on, and if you are in an emergency to get the windows up, let me know, and I'll instruct you on how to send voltage and a ground to get them up.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Frank

388 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

This sounds right on target. I'm not a mechanic, so where is the rear circuit breaker located? Can I check for 12 volts on the brown wires with a basic voltage tester?

And where is the "pass switch" located?

Again, since I;m not a mechanic, is this something I might be able to fix with a part from the auto parts store? Can I replace either the circuit breaker or the master switch easily with parts?

Edited by XXXXXXX on 10/31/2008 at 1:14 AM

Accepted Answer

 

Hello again XXXXXXX,

 

The pass switch I am referring to is the passenger door window switch.

 

If you find a bad window switch, you have the GM dealership or a wrecking yard as your choices. I don't believe you'll find the switch at a local parts house. A parts house such as AutoZone should have the circuit breaker if needed.

 

The circuit breaker is the upper right in this graphic.

 

graphic
View Full Image

 

graphic
View Full Image

 

It is under the rear seat.

 

You can use a volt meter capable of reading 12 volts. Or better yet, simply pick up a 12 volt test lamp. They are very affordable. It is a 12 volt light inside of a clear tube with a probe end for testing and a clamp on the end of a wire to be grounded while testing.

 

In order to test the circuit breaker, you may need to either access the bottom side of the fuse block, or partially remove the circuit breaker to expose the terminals for testing.

 

The master switch and the passenger window switch can be tested with the same 12 volt test lamp. If your meter is not able to test a 12 volt circuit.

 

Frank



Edited by GM-Frank on 10/31/2008 at 1:34 AM

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Expert: GM-Frank
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/31/2008

ASE Master Certified

37 Years Automotive Diagnosis & Repair. Experience with all makes and models..

388 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

Again, can I "FIX" the problem with parts from the store I can buy? Obviously if its a broken wire in the door hinge no. Thanks for a diagnosis, but any advice for a fix for a non-mechanic?

Posted by GM-Frank 388 days and 20 hours ago.

Info Request

 

XXXXXXX,

 

If you have some basic electrical knowledge, you should be OK.

 

Again, we don't know exactly what is wrong yet, but I'll be happy to help you through it.

 

If it's the circuit breaker, you can do it. You can purchase the switch if that is what it needs, and that should be available through the GM dealer.

 

The window switches usually pop out relatively easy, so if you have a test lamp, and you are comfortable making those basic tests as I instructed, you should be able to handle it OK. All parts should be available for you to purchase. You will be the one to decide if by reading my testing instructions, if it is too much to handle.

 

Frank



Edited by GM-Frank on 10/31/2008 at 2:38 AM

388 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

Turned out to be a broken wire in the door hinge. It had been repaired by a previous owner and the solder broke loose. Duh! Thanks for your help!!

Posted by GM-Frank 386 days and 18 hours ago.

Info Request

 

Great,

Glad you found it. You are welcome.

 

Frank

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