How to test the power window switch with a multimeter?
Content
Are you trying to troubleshoot why your power windows aren't working and think you might be dealing with a broken power window switch? Most of us experience this problem from time to time on an old car. Whether you have an automatic or manual shift mechanism, you'll need to get this sorted out as soon as possible.
A broken window switch can cause serious interior damage in rainy or snowy weather if you cannot close the windows.
So, if you are facing the same problem and want to find out if the problem is your switch, this 6-step guide on how to test your power window switch with a multimeter will help you.
To test the window power switch, first remove the door cover. Then separate the power switch from the wires. Set the multimeter to continuous mode. Then connect the black test lead to the negative terminal of the power switch. Check all terminals for continuity using the red probe.
Too general? Don't worry, we'll cover it in more detail in the images below.
The difference between automatic and manual shift mechanism
Modern cars come with two different power window switches. A good understanding of these two shift mechanisms will help you a lot if you are doing auto power window switch conversion or power window repair. So here are some facts about these two mechanisms.
Auto mode: The power window circuit breaker starts working as soon as the car's ignition key is turned on.
User manual: The manual shift mechanism comes with a power window handle that can be manually operated.
A Few Things You Can Try Before Testing Your Window Switch
If a power window switch malfunction occurs, do not immediately start a continuity test. Here are a few things you can check before actually testing.
Step 1: Check All Switches
Inside your vehicle, you will find the main power window switch panel next to the driver's seat. You can open/close all windows from the main panel. In addition, there are switches on each door. You can find at least eight power window switches inside your vehicle. Check all switches correctly.
Step 2: Check the lock switch
You can find the lock switch on the power window switch panel, which is located next to the driver's seat. The lock switch will give you the ability to lock all other power window switches except for the switches on the main power window switch panel. This is a safety lock that can sometimes cause problems with power window switches. So, check if the lock switch is turned on.
6 Step Guide to Check Power Switch Window
After correctly diagnosing the broken power window switches, the testing process can now begin. (1)
Step 1 - Remove the door cover
First, loosen the screws holding the cover. Use a screwdriver for this process.
Then separate the cover from the door.
Step 2 - Pull out the power switch
Even if you unscrew the two screws, the cover and power switch are still wired to the door. So, you need to disconnect these wires first. You can do this by clicking on the lever located next to each wire.
After disconnecting the wires, pull out the power switch. When pulling out the power switch, you have to be a little careful because there are several wires connecting the cover and the power switch. So be sure to turn them off.
Step 3 Install a digital multimeter to check continuity.
After that, set the multimeter to the continuity mode. If you haven't used a multimeter to test for continuity, here's how you can do it.
Setting up a multimeter to test continuity
The setup is quite simple and only takes a minute or two. Turn the dial of the multimeter to the diode or symbol Ω. When connecting two probes to a closed circuit, the multimeter emits a continuous beep.
By the way, a closed circuit is a circuit through which current flows.
Tip: If you successfully activate continuity mode, the multimeter will display the symbols Ω and OL. Also, don't forget to touch the two probes to check the beep. This is a great way to test your multimeter before you get started.
Step 4: Check the power switch for damage.
Sometimes the power switch can be stuck beyond repair. If so, you may need to replace it with a new power switch. There is no need to test a stuck power switch. So, carefully check the power switch for jamming or faulty mechanisms.
Step 5 - Test Terminals
Now connect the black test lead to the negative terminal of the power switch. Keep this connection until you have checked all terminals. So, use a crocodile clip to connect the black lead to the terminal.
Then place the red probe on the desired terminal. Move the power window switch to the lower glass position. Check if the multimeter is beeping. If not, set the power switch to the "window up" position. Check the beep here as well. If you do not hear a beep, set the switch to neutral. Check all terminals according to the above process.
If you don't hear a beep for all settings and terminals, the power window switch is broken. However, if you hear a beep for the "window down" position and nothing for the "window up" position, that means one half of your switch is working and the other half is not.
Step 6. Turn on the old power switch again or replace it with a new one.
It doesn't matter if you're using an old switch or a new one; the installation process is the same. So, connect two sets of wires to the switch, place the switch on the cover, and then attach it to the cover. Finally, tighten the screws connecting the lid and door.
Summing up
Finally, I really hope that you now have the right idea on how to test the power window switch with a multimeter. The process is not complicated at all. But if you're new to doing these things yourself, remember to be extra careful during the process. Especially when removing the power switch from the cover and door. For example, there are several wires connected to the power window switch on both sides. These wires can break easily. So, make sure this doesn't happen. (2)
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to test ground with a multimeter
- How to use a multimeter to check the voltage of live wires
- Setting the integrity of the multimeter
Recommendations
(1) diagnostics - https://academic.oup.com/fampra/article/
18 / 3 / 243 / 531614
(2) power - https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/work-and-energy/work-and-energy-tutorial/a/what-is-power
Video links
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