HELP -----Quarter window goes DOWN, but not up! (yes I searched!)

[dumbusername]

OK, so we might have some rain out here in California and I figured it was time to test my roof. Roof works fine, but the drivers side rear quarter window won't go up. It went up about 1/3 of the way and then stopped. When I use the panel button it doesn't even sound like the motor is engaging. The window goes down just fine.

I'm thinking it's not a tracking problem and I don't think it's a motor issue. Can it be the console button? It doesn't seem to be making contact. Anyway to clean it?

Am open to suggestions! Thanks

[94_240sx]

Ask someone to push the button, you hold the window and pull it up gently and let us know what happens. If it won't move after 1/3 of the way, the motor is defintely not engaging. If it comes up with your help, there might be too much tension on the arm or the window is off the track. Just make sure to do it gently, so you won't break anything. You can check the inside while you are pulling it up.

[dumbusername]

I was at a car wash and asked the guy to press the button while I tried to lift the window. I tried pretty hard but it didn't budge. I was too afraid to try any harder. I don't think the engine is engaging at all. What should I do next?
Modified by dumbusername at 2:34 PM 10/1/2006

[94_240sx]

Can it be the console button? It doesn't seem to be making contact. Anyway to clean it?

It's really weird. So what you are saying is... it works first 1/3 of the way and stops. Right? Is this pretty consistent? I mean... does it always stop about 1/3 of the way? If so, I don't think it's a switch problem, but next thing you could try is pop out the switch from center console and check for the wire and plug. If you have a friend who has a vert, swap the switch and try. If that doesn't work, you might have to take out quarter window assembly and check for motor/regulator/arm and stuff... ALso make sure the window is on track and guide is not broken. When guide is broken, usually windows go down, but it won't go up easy.

[94_240sx]

I would say it's either #8, #9, plastic guide or the switch is bad.

[dumbusername]

Thanks for all the advice!

The window doesn't always go up a third of the way. It just stopped going up at all!

This morning when I got to school, (teachers ROCK!) I pressed very, very hard on the up button and I could hear the motor engage and the window started to go up. It went up almost all the way!

I am now leaning toward the problem being a bad switch. If it is, do I have to find the part on ebay?

Also one more funny thing about the quarter window switches in my car. The right switch opens the left window and the left switch opens the right window. Is this just in my car???
Modified by dumbusername at 5:37 PM 10/2/2006

[94_240sx]

Good to hear that. Just get it from dealership. It's like $30+ brand new. The switch will just pop out if you use flat screw driver. When you put a new one in, make sure to put it in right way to the center console. Test the switch first then plug it in to the center console.

[cmkelly]

Mine does the exact same thing from time to time. I've found that if I use the switch to power the window down and then back up again it goes up after a few times. I also fiddle with the window as it goes up.

My top is up 50% of the time so the flex/fit changes a little each time it is lowered. I just figured that sometimes it is too snug and the motor binds then stops before doing any damage. Mine could also be a guide problem but it goes up and down fine with the top down.

Also, my switch is sort of flakey. I have to push it harder or to one side to get it all the way up. Does yours exhibit any of the same behaviour?

cmk

[dumbusername]

Life just keeps getting better! When I left school today I pressed the button as hard as I could and the window went all the way up!!! Now at least I can wash the darn thing. So, it is the switch. I'm glad to hear that I can buy a replacement switch at the dealer. I was dreading trying to track one down on eBay or a junk yard.

Anyone in the Long Beach, CA area with advice on a mechanic. I just moved down this way and need to find a honest shop. Also looking of a detailing place or person with reasonable rates! :-)
Modified by dumbusername at 7:49 PM 10/2/2006

[slip69]

i removed the cover on the switch and that fixed the same probelm i was having. its been working fine ever since.

[onosqv]

Also one more funny thing about the quarter window switches in my car. The right switch opens the left window and the left switch opens the right window. Is this just in my car???

Thought about just popping out the switch panel & rotating it 180 degrees?

[94_240sx]

Thought about just popping out the switch panel & rotating it 180 degrees?

That's what I meant... Do it. It should fix it.

[dumbusername]

You guys are just too funny! Of course I thought of removing the cover and switching it 180 degrees. As a matter of fact I even tried it......doesn't fit in that way!

[kc240guy]

my switch is doing that too. theres a plastic piece thats broken inside it that grabs the real switch under it. all i do is turn it 180 and it will roll.

[outdoordiva139]

Wow this is the coolest site - I just found it. I have a 92 240sx conv LE and their is a little plastic part I think #8 has been broken in the rear passenger window and the window only goes up 1/3 the way. I usually pull it up. I thought I need to replace the whole thing. Thanks for your information!

[94_240sx]

I have a 92 240sx conv LE and their is a little plastic part I think #8 has been broken in the rear passenger window and the window only goes up 1/3 the way.

Look carefully. It should be on #7, not #8. That part(#7) has been out of production for a while, so you can't replace it. You have to fabricate it...