Car Window Won’t Go Up? How to Tell If It’s the Window Motor or Switch

Steps to diagnose why your window won’t go up

1. Test the Power Window Switch and Motor

   You can determine if the switch, motor, or an electrical connection or wire is bad with a test light. The steps include inserting the test light into the switch to test for a 12v electrical connection and working down to the motor if the window switch has continuity.
   
   Troubleshooting this issue can be easier with the door panel removed, but to save time and hassle, it’s easier to confirm there is no problem with the switch first.

2. Remove the Window Switch

   Remove the window switch from the control panel with a trim tool and leave it connected to the electrical connector.

3. Press the Test Light to the Wires Entering the Switch

   Turn the key to the ON position. Press the test light into switch’s electrical connector where the wires come in from the fuse panel. Incoming wires are usually larger gauge (thickness). If the test light activates, there is power going into the window switch. If there is no power at the switch, the problem is either a blown fuse at the fuse panel, or the incoming wires may be damaged in some way.

4. Press the Test Light to the Wires Leaving the Switch

   Press the test light into the wires leaving the switch (that lead to the window motor). Next, activate the window switch. If there is power, the problem could be the window motor or its wires between the switch and the motor. Knowing there is continuity at the entrance and exit points of the switch confirms the problem is not with the switch.

5. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 at the Electric Window Motor, or Test the Motor with a Working Power Window Regulator

   Testing for power in the electrical wiring at the motor’s electrical connector can confirm if there is a defective connection, or a defective motor.
   
   Another way to test the motor is to disconnect the electrical connector from the potentially defective window motor and connecting it to a working power window regulator. If the motor works on the working window regulator, you know the window motor is defective.