Question for those who are more electrically minded than me.

[Deluded]

The drivers side electric window on my Honda CRV died a few weeks ago. At first I wasn't really bothered, being winter and not really using the windows but I've been inconvenienced enough in the last few weeks (car parks, drive thru etc.) to be bothered enough to finally get around to trying to work out how to fix it.

I checked the fuses last night but all are fine. I have also ruled out the switch too as when you press the switch with the engine off, it dims the interior lights. This is what has got me confused though and my electrical knowledge isn't quite up to scratch.

Am I right in thinking that if the lights dim, then the motor is still drawing power? Could that potentially mean that the motor isn't dead but something else is causing it not to move? There is no noise from the motor when the switch is pressed so doesn't seem to be trying to move. Just the lights dimming when pressing the switch that confused me...

I don't really want to buy a new motor/regulator if it isn't going to solve my problem, plus the fact that they are apparently a bh to fit, which I don't mind so much but don't want to go to all the effort for it to be pointless and a waste of money.

Cheers!

[Classic Grad 98]

I am no good at electrics but if it's not the fuse or the switch and there is some current draw from the motor, I suspect you'll be opening the door I'm afraid. However, it might just be some dry soldering on the connectors or a loose multi-plug.

[wolf1]

Remove the door panel exposing the motor, this will alow you to check for obstructions etc. If none are found then make sure the switch is plugged back in after removing door panel. With ignition on press the switch to lower the window and whilst the swich is operated belt the motor. If it works then just a case of the motor sticking due to moisture/crap but will need replacing eventually. If it doesn't work then check power is being sent from switch to motor and if it is there's a good chance the motor is borked.

[Deluded]

Cheers for the replies.

It seemed to die after the recent snow we've had. Maybe it got moisture in that froze and has caused something to jam etc.

Thanks again!

[littleredrooster]

Yes - if it causes the lights to dim, it would suggest that it is drawing power and the cause may be mechanical. Seized bearing or jammed mechanism, perhaps?

[V88Dicky]

I used to have an old MK4 Fiesta that had stood for about 6 months before I bought it. One of the few faults that it did have was a seized driver's window. After taking the door car off and checking everything was in place and that there were no obstructions, it needed nothing more than a bit of WD40 on the connections, and silicon oil down the runners to free everything up.

[LuS1fer]

Usually a motor departing this mortal coil.

[Lordglenmorangie]

My next door neigbour has just fitted a new (second hand) motor on his partners Honda, it had the symptoms you describe . And yes it was a bh of a job, skin removal on knuckles is a must !

[Faust66]

Before you condemn the motor, try connecting a switch from a window that works to the one that’s currently knackered – it’s always worth trying as it’s a hell of a lot easier than replacing a motor (a good proportion of the ‘broken window motors’ I’ve come across have been magically fixed by a new switch or by checking all the electrical connections).

You should be able to prise the switches out relatively easily with a flat headed screwdriver, but be careful not to damage the trim surrounding it – a good tip is to put some masking tape around the blade of the screwdriver - and to take your time of course!

[R1 Indy]

I would put my money on the regulator.

should be easy enough to change. or was atleast on my 159.

Take the door card off and have a look, remove the motor, if that spins fine, then the problem is the regulator, if the motor does not spin then the motor is fked.