96 850 GLT Front Passenger Window won't go down

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 08 Oct 2013, 20:10

Daughter got home tonight and said the passenger window won't go down.

I looked at the car, the three other window go down and up. When I try the passenger window, i see the dome lamp dim a little, so I'm guessing its trying to draw power, but do not hear the motor try and run the window regulator. Late hear, looks like a weekend project.

Any suggestions on trouble shooting?

I have the Haynes manual, if I read it correctly power is supplied by one breaker to all the windows. So its probably not a breaker/fuse

Daughter got home tonight and said the passenger window won't go down.

I looked at the car, the three other window go down and up. When I try the passenger window, i see the dome lamp dim a little, so I'm guessing its trying to draw power, but do not hear the motor try and run the window regulator. Late hear, looks like a weekend project.

Any suggestions on trouble shooting?

I have the Haynes manual, if I read it correctly power is supplied by one breaker to all the windows. So its probably not a breaker/fuse

At least it in the UP position.

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 08 Oct 2013, 20:31

Little more trouble shooting. I tried spraying electrical cleaner around the switch. When I push the button, the lights on all three switches go dim. Also thought heard a crackle under the dash when I pushed the switch for the failed window.

Other three windows work ok, but but i did get an intermittent on drivers window, luckily it went up. And works fine.

Signs of a bad switch panel?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 08 Oct 2013, 22:13

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Remove the Switch, take apart and clean first as it did come back to life for a second. Not sure if there is enough room to just stretch the wiring out enough to take the Switch apart or else you'll have to remove it.

Blessings,

BKM

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joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 09 Oct 2013, 03:40

Can you take the switch panel apart or is it sealed?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 09 Oct 2013, 14:58

joe_pinehill wrote:Can you take the switch panel apart or is it sealed?

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The right rear passenger window in my car does not roll down. I vaguely remember taking apart the Master Switch and swapping the left and right rear Switches. I believe you should be able to take it apart. I didn't pay much attention to this area as the door with window in question has a large and smooth shallow dent so I thought the window mechanism might be binding causing it to potentially go out. Sorry for the long explanation but just want to let you know I vaguely remember taking it apart.

Blessings,

BKM

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Post by **scot850** » 09 Oct 2013, 23:38

I agree with BKM. The master switches are prone to failure on these cars. Usually the problem is lack of use. You should be able to pop the master switch set out, and swap the front switch cables over, or at least just the passenger side to the driver and try to see if anything happens. If still no go, then chances are the motor or the window regulator has bound up.

You can dis-assemble the master-switch, but it is fiddly and prone to breakage. If you can, clean the contacts and try again. I eventually replaced it with a 'contactless' part from the switch doctor.

Regards,

Neil.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 10 Oct 2013, 02:23

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You may want to just buy some Contact cleaner and spray the switch without opening it to see what happens. I've found silicone spray to be effective for electrical parts as it drys quickly. Be sure to use goggles.

Blessings,

BKM

**

Post by **rspi** » 10 Oct 2013, 08:33

Not sure why but the window switches in Volvo's build up carbon on the contacts. They are somewhat sealed but can be taken apart with care. If care is not taken, you will loose springs, copper contact studs and or the little copper bearings.

I usually take some fine sand paper and clean the contact points of the black build up.

You have to remember that the switch pack is in a bad spot, located under the cup holder. The ones on the drivers door are subject to rain water. I think Volvo should put some kind of membrane to seal them off from the elements.

It may be easier to take the door panel off and check to see if the motor is getting power.

akwon · Post by **akwon** » 10 Oct 2013, 11:19

I had the same problem with my Driver's Side window - it would actually go down but it was sluggish for the first few inches. I thought it was a regulator problem but everything looked good when I removed the interior panel. There was some gunk built up on the aluminum rail which I wiped off and it seemed to help a little. Actually, some days it's fine and some days I have to push the window down to help it along.

Could carbon build up on the master switch cause the window to drag? Or is it a go/no-go kind of thing? Could it be a wiring connection problem with the motor?

As a side note: this forum is fantastic! (as are the other Volvo forums) rspi: your videos helped me decide to buy my '96 850.

joe_pinehill · Post by **joe_pinehill** » 11 Oct 2013, 10:46

I tried a replacement switch. No luck. The door has power, the light goes on. Assume that leaves the regulator or motor, I'll order a used one and tray that.

I would rather take the door panel off once, would I gain anything by taking it off and looking in the door? before ordering a replacement from the junkyard?