How to Test a Power Window Switch
by Elyse JamesIt's a hot summer day and you go to roll down your window using the power window switch, but instead of delivering a refreshing breeze, the window doesn't budge. If you are stuck with this unfortunate situation, or if your window is malfunctioning in other ways, you could have a problem with your window switch. To test the window switch you will need to use a voltmeter and ohmmeter.
Step 1
Remove the faulty window switch from the door. To do this, you must press on the four tabs on the switch to release the switch. A small flat tip screwdriver can come in handy during this process.
Step 2
Turn the switch to the "open" position.
Step 3
Attach the voltmeter to the switch plug and test to see if there are 12 volts coming from terminal 4 to the ground and from terminal 5 to the ground. If the voltage is the correct number, this tells you that the power and wiring leading the window switch is sufficient.
Step 4
Set the switch to the "open" position. Attach the ohmmeter to the varying terminal combinations. There should be low resistance coming from terminals 1 to 4 and from 2 to 3.
Step 5
Set the switch to the "close" position. Attach the ohmmeter to the varying terminal combinations. There should be a low resistance from terminals 1 to 3 and from 2 to 5.
Step 6
Determine whether the switch is faulty based on the combined readings from the ohmmeter and the voltmeter.
References
Things You'll Need
- Flat tip screwdriver
- Voltmeter
- Ohmmeter
Writer Bio
Elyse James began writing professionally in 2006 after deciding to pursue a career in journalism. She has written for "The Algonquin Times" as a general assignment reporter and published blogs and articles on Webcitybeat. James holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Ottawa.
