How Power Windows Work / Two Main Different Methods

How does a power window work? With the almost systematic abandonment of manual control (with the exception of small entry-level models and inexpensive models), it becomes interesting to know their principle, knowing, in addition, that the failure of this element remains quite common on modern cars.

What's behind this button?

Two great different techniques

There are two different technologies for the lifting function, namely the system from cable and the system in scissors... Both are driven by an electric motor.

A system called "scissors"

This device, which closely resembles a scissor, does not use cables, but a mechanism that is driven by an electric motor.

Cable system

There are two main systems in the cable device:

• Spiral cable system
• The so-called Bowden system (which also exists in the Double Bowden, which allows the lifting of heavier windows

Here's a double bowden

Un Bowden simple

Here the engine is disconnected from the rail.

Comfort function?

When you buy an electric window regulator, you need to know whether it has a comfort function or not. Indeed, if you can open a window with a single tap without holding the button down, then you will benefit from the comfort feature. In this case, you need to order a motor that will also have this function. This well-known function can also be combined with the central locking, because some models allow the windows to be opened from the outside by controlling the remote opening (with the key), leaving the opening pressed (this can also be done). lock, you must act as if you were opening the car, leaving the key turned. The windows then open until you release the key).

Possible problems?

Here are various common window regulator problems:

• The electric motor died, no reaction at all when trying to use the power windows.
• One of the gears can wear out or even break, which can lead to a seizure of the assembly. Due to the severe limitations associated with the heavy weight of the window and repeated opening and closing, damage can occur at any time. So sometimes it is enough for a small piece of assembly to break for the window to be judged.
• One of the cables (not on the scissor system) may break or even wind tightly in the drum, causing the drum to become tangled. Sometimes all it takes is a little do-it-yourself job to get things in order without going over the manual. Regarding this problem and the problem mentioned just upstream, we usually perceive noise when working with power windows, the engine tries to start but gets locked up due to system hijacking. In this case, the window may open partially, but not completely.
• Window button no longer works or is disabled
• No more current going to the motor: wire harness or fuse

The cable located in the pulley can wind up strongly, which will lead to its deformation (a deforming metal cable is practically irreparable). And here's what it looks like after you have repeatedly tried to insist on opening and closing the window.

With such a stale condition, there is very little hope for repairs, and at best it will not last long.

If the gear teeth of the receiving pulley or electric motor are damaged, the electric motor may end up operating in a vacuum.

If the engine fails, nothing will happen

Technically speaking, sometimes you may have to replace the motor without wiring / scissor, and vice versa, the motor may still run, but the cogs of the system are not working. In this case, you can sometimes repair yourself, but in most cases, you will have to order a new unit, keeping the engine still running.

In any case, you usually have to disassemble door strips to assess the problem and understand where the anomaly came from.

All comments and reactions

Dernier comment posted:

Sanyo (Date: 2021, 06:29:10)

Hi,

First of all, thanks a lot for your valuable advice.

I take the liberty of posting a request for information because I am a little confused about my problem.

I am poorly, the driver's windshield was broken twice after a shift from a professional.

According to their explanation, the window regulator works.

Only now I am again with a window that has just exploded under full technical control.

I notice that when I lift the window it seems to shift to the right and then it probably gets stuck somewhere and is in a bad position and when I open the door there it breaks because every time I open the door ...

I took apart the skin while I was waiting for maybe a little help ...

Thank you so much for yours.

Best regards,

Il I. 6 reaction (s) to this comment:

• Ray Kurgaru BEST PARTICIPANT (2021-06-29 12:04:06): This is most likely due to the window maintenance mechanism and / or system, I have the same problem on my old 1998 Scudo combinato but from the passenger side.

  Since I rarely open this side and I'm too lazy to dismount, I leave it like this and “brake” with my hand on the side where the rare ones go up, the time I have to roll up the window after I lower it.

  There has never been a "blown" window, since I do not allow it to get out.

  Obviously, the driver's side is more annoying and then this is not a solution.

  You will have to disassemble the mechanism again to gain access to the mechanism ... and find a "real pro" who will find the problem that causes the window to move during lifting: a "trick" that blocks, a bent slide, a lost screw ,. ..

  I noticed a hole in the top of the glass towards the back, perhaps there are plans to attach a "gadget" to it to hold the glass. Right window on the vertical axis, I asked myself a question, but did not bother to eat the answer.

  Besides, if we give you an explanation, I am interested in that ...

  Success.

• Ray Kurgaru BEST PARTICIPANT (2021-06-29 12:26:59): I don't know if I am eligible to post a link, but I found a clue regarding the famous little hole in the web by typing:

  “Fiat power window reassembly problem”

  The solution seems clear and well explained by the participant ...

• Ray Kurgaru BEST PARTICIPANT (2021-06-29 14:17:40): Web Search: Front Left/Right Window Guide - €5,97

  It could just be this room ...

  It will be interesting to me.

• Administrator SITE ADMINISTRATOR (2021-06-29 15:09:30): Thanks Ray!

  It seems that it really has to do with the window, which is not perfectly moving in its tracks. And due to the fact that it tilts a little, it wedges and more intensely accepts any vibration coming from the door.

  The holes in the windows are actually used to hang the power window.

  Now, if this is when the door is opened, it means that the striker is touching the window.

  In short, this is a problem that can only be solved by carefully observing what is happening. There seems to be a slight design flaw, but see if you can fix it with some DIY stuff.

• Sanyo (2021-06-29 15:25:28): First, a really big thank you ...

  I just found a problem, even problems ..

  The door pull is broken from the inside, so there is a lot of play when opening and closing, in addition to the right side seal, which must necessarily guide the door. The window is fully tilted. I think the speed fluctuates between them, and when I open the door, it explodes because it gets caught in a vice ... so I'll make an appointment with the bodybuilder and come back to confirm if that's the case. It …

  Thanks a lot anyway !!

• Administrator SITE ADMINISTRATOR (2021-07-01 10:12:31): Glad I could help a little, thanks again to Ray 😉

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