Power Windows Misbehaving on '92 Saturn SL1 - Help

I don't have power windows in my SL1 but looking at the schematic it looks like power to the switch, the motor and the two wires going to the motor are OK, otherwise you wouldn't see the window go down. It would appear that you have a faulty switch, the rocker contacts not quite making it to the "UP" position. If you have an ohmeter, you could check whether the contacts are making it. If you have a digital voltmeter, it will allow you to see the voltage going to the motor. In one direction it will show you +12 volts (approx) and -12 volts in the reverse direction. Be careful if you're measuring with an analog meter or you will pin the needle with negative voltage, just give the switch a little tap to check for movement. Measure accross the TAN and DARK BLUE with WHITE tracer wires. (Switch contacts 2E and 2F). I'm not sure if those switches can be disassembled, you could try taking it apart and cleaning out the connections to get rid of oxidation, corrosion, etc. I've been lucky with VW switches in the past but can't say whether the Saturn ones case be taken apart.

Otherwise get a replacement switch. Unfortunately you can't buy them separately. :(

Now... if you have good voltage leaving the switch (ie. +12 and -12) then your problem might be the motor itself or there is something binding the window and preventing it from coming up.

Thanks for making the effort to figure this out. It maKEes sense it's the switch block. the two rear windows will go down using the switches on the center console but will not go up using those switches. However, they do go up/dpwn using the switches on the rear door panels. I've removed the switch block from the console but don't see how I can clean the switches. Do you see any online resources that describe the console switch block?

Tom

HI Tom...

ok, looking at the schematic again trying to pinpoint exactly what might be causing this. Let's summarize here: Console switches will bring all windows down but only driver's side up. The switches located in rear door panels will bring windows up and down, correct? Sorry for the questions but I just need to clarify. It would seem that you could have multiple problems or just one common problem that is causing this issue.

I don't know of any online resources that will explain the operation of this switch. THe switches I worked on usually have these "catches" on each side, in order to open it up you would have to gently pry them with a flat head screwdriver and slowly open it up....make sure it is slow as there are a number of loose rocker contacts and possibly springs that might pop out. Before you do anything with the switch I would suggest taking a digital picture of it so you know what it looks like assembled. I would also take a few pics of the "guts" as well.

But before you do anything, let me know what the switches do for you and we'll take it from there.

ALex

Hi Alex,

Yes, that's correct.

I removed the switch box from the console. It appears the individual switches are held secureluy in place w/ at least four phillips screws.

Will do.

Not sure I understand this one.

The switches lower/raise the power windows. It is ninety-five degrees w/ high humidity today. Not being able to raise that window w/ the air conditioning on is killing me. Last ditch effort I removed the switch mount then with a flat blade screwed driver tried to clean the switch contact for that window. After twenty minutes of fiddling w/ it jiggiling the switch then manually pulling up the window I managed to get it closed. Now I've got to block that switch so people don't use it 'til I get it fixed.

Tom

Good for you.... I sent you an email to your account BTW.

Alex

ThaNKS Alex, but I don't post my return email address due to spam. I'll receive emails if they are sent to soi_01 at yahoo dot com

No problem Tom... I emailed you at your earthlink account ().... I don't even remember what I wrote anymore... :)