Help: Driver's side window switches won't work

[SStiss]

The other day, I tried to unlock the back doors using the lock/unlock switch and it wouldn't work. Then I tried to roll down the windows using the switches and they wouldn't work either. To make matters worse, I had the window lock on, and now when I disengage it, the other window swtiches still won't work. So basically, my windows won't roll down (which I guess is better than if they were down and wouldn't roll up). Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to fix this problem? I'd like to try to do it myself without taking it in to the dealer. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Grizzly]

Check for a blown fuse. If it's okay, call the dealer, maybe they can suggest something. Are you still under warranty?

 

[KaufmannC]

On my 1999 Tahoe it did the same thing. I got a can of electrical contact cleaner and sprayed it down. The next day the switch started working. I didn't even have to pull the switch out, I sprayed it from the top.

 

[rbattelle]

Any chance you left the door open in the rain?



I like KaufmannC's suggestion that the contacts are likely corroded/dirty. After checking the fuse, I'd pull the switch block and clean it up.



Ryan

 

[BRandolph]

Did you check to make sure the drivers switch was hooked up. If the switch has ever been unhooked It may not have been hooked up properly.

 

[MickeyMiller]

I agre with Randolph... I think the plug has poped out of the switch. Door panel comes off real easy to check... remove the screw holding the door handle and a couple/three screws along the bottom of the door panel. then just lift up! I recently put some Jimmy Jammers on so it is fairly fresh in my mind... .

 

[SOLER]

I recently had my door panels off installing speakers. I put the speaker in the passenger front door, and wanted to roll the window up and down to see if the wires would get caught. Well, I hooked up the driver's door switch wires to roll it up and down. It wouldn't work. It wouldn't work until I hooked up the wires on that door. Then both switches would work. So, if any of your switches are loose, it could cause a problem. However, only to the specific door. It would be possible for any of the other switches or wires to be loose, but most likely it's the driver's door itself. I also agree with the possibility that it could be corroded or dirty contacts in the switch assembly. You'll have to pull off the door panel and check to be sure. BTW, it's not a very difficult task.



SOLER

 

[SStiss]

Thanks for the input. I didn't leave the door open during the rain, at least, not that I know of. I did notice that the little lights in the switches that come on when you turn the lights on aren't working on the driver's side, but they are on the passenger side. Do y'all think a fuse would cause just one side not to work? Any tips on taking the door panel off? Thanks again for your help!

 

[SOLER]

Door panel removal is easy. I'm going to assume it's the same as mine ('04). Up by the outside mirror (on the panel) is a phillips screw. Remove it. Then, take a 10mm socket with a 6 or 8 inch extension, and remove the inside handle that opens the door. That will allow easy access to the screw that is right there by the handle. Now, down at the bottom of the panel are two screws. Remove them. Once the handle and four screws are removed, lift up the panel and pull it away slightly. Look behind it and you will see two wire harnesses. One harness is door locks and mirrors, if so equipped, and the other is windows. First check to see if they are connected, or loose, or hanging free. There is a tab to press and release the wires.



Once the wires are free, set the panel somewhere that it it won't get scratched or scuffed, and remove the switch panel. Now you can hook the switches back up and begin troubleshooting.



SOLER

 

[Pawpaw]

There's no need to remove the whole door panel to get to the switches.



Gently pry the switch panel up with a small screwdriver. It comes out pretty easy.



Bob

 

[RTillery]

I opened my door with a bunch of snow on top of the cab. It fell down and landed right on the switch panel. I brushed it off but some/most/all of the switches quit working. I was worried and figured I would tear into it when I got home but it must have dried out and everything has worked fine for a year now. My point is, a little moisture seems to knock these things for a loop. Pull the switch panel up, disconnect it and make sure it is clean and dry. Good luck!

 

[SOLER]

There's no need to remove the whole door panel to get to the switches.



Gently pry the switch panel up with a small screwdriver. It comes out pretty easy.



Bob

That's true, but I can almost guarantee that, if you start digging in ther with a screwdriver, you will never get it to go back in tight enough to keep it from squeaking. When I have my radio up it will vibrate/squeak. Very annoying. And this happened when the truck was only a month old. At first a jammed a wadded up paper in it. After I replace my speakers, I used silocone around the switch to keep it from squeaking. Also, if you dig in there with a screwdriver, you could end up scratching the door panel. Just my . 02! With all that said, it is possible to get the switch panel up, just be very careful and take your time.

 

[SStiss]

Problem solved! Oo. I first looked at the fuses and everything checked out ok. So I went on to the door panel. Just as some of you said, it was very easy. And once I had the panel removed I immediately saw the problem. The harness for the window switches was hanging down. I reconnected the harness, put the key in the ignition, and everything worked. The most difficult thing about the whole process was getting the panel back on correctly, and even that was not too challenging. It just took a bit to line everything up. I appreciate all of the help, tips, and advice!

 

[Pawpaw]

That's true, but I can almost guarantee that, if you start digging in ther with a screwdriver, you will never get it to go back in tight enough to keep it from squeaking. When I have my radio up it will vibrate/squeak. Very annoying. And this happened when the truck was only a month old. At first a jammed a wadded up paper in it. After I replace my speakers, I used silocone around the switch to keep it from squeaking. Also, if you dig in there with a screwdriver, you could end up scratching the door panel. Just my . 02! With all that said, it is possible to get the switch panel up, just be very careful and take your time.

I would not for one minute question your problems with this, but my experience has been exactly the opposite.



First, the area surrounding my switch panel is padded. This makes it easy to get a small screwdriver under the edge of the panel without damage. Once I have it lifted a bit, I get my fingernails under there and it lifts right out.



They go back in nice and snug with no rattles or squeaks.



I've had my front doors apart 3 times and the back ones once. Never had any problems with the switches or panels.



Just my 2¢.



Bob