Windows non-operational

[surfguitar58]

Finally retrieved the TCS from winter storage yesterday. 

The passenger side window worked for about a week when I bought the car 3 years ago, then stopped moving. Oh well, as long as I had one working window I was okay. Now the driver's side window doesn't work either. Both switches show some activity on the ammeter, so I think the connection is being made to the motors, which leads me to think the windows are mechanically stuck. Before I try to force the window down while pressing the switch, I thought I would ask the tribe if anyone had a solution I haven't considered.

Also, my brand new battery was completely dead. Not even a fuel-pump click when I turned the key. Not terribly surprising or unusual, but I mention it wondering if it may be related to the window problem.

Tom

[jbcollier]

Batteries should be disconnected during winter storage, kept above freezing and connected to a trickle charger.

The window issues sound like poor connections to me.  Start at the window motor -- first remove the door cards for access.  Run ground and power jumpers from the battery and check the motor operation.

Doesn't work?  Pull the window motors for overhaul or replacement.

Works?  Go backwards through the wiring diagram until you find the issue.  Typical issues are: #1- poor grounding!  #2- dirty contacts in the window switches.  After those two major ones, then the usual loose/corroded connection at the ammeter or further down the line.

[Sandyman]

Tom, Neither of my window motors worked when I got my Europa. I thought I would have to get new ones after sitting for 40 + years. I removed them and using percussive maintenance got them working. You might first think about removing the door card and checking power and ground circuits. If that is good, remove the motor (this allows you to assess the window movement) , power it with jumper cables  (switching leads for other direction)  and give it a firm tap with a hammer. If no joy, then think about rebuild/replace.
Sandy

[BDA]

Congratulations for getting your baby out of winter storage! I think it's a shame you can't drive her in the winter.

Taking the window motors is not a big job. You can test them and see what's happening or not happening. The stops for the window are washers welded to the "rack" and sometimes the pinion can get jammed on one. There is a spring that helps it go up and you might be able to reassemble it with a little more spring tension. Years ago, I had a similar problem so tried to "dial" in a little more spring tension. I'm not sure I actually did anything other than take it apart and put it back together. In any case, I haven't had any problems since.

The motors are GM (Buick or Oldsmobile IIRC) units and seem to be pretty durable. If they  are fried, I think they are still available at NAPA or maybe some GM restoration parts suppliers.

Good luck!

[dakazman]

Hi Tom , just to beat a dead horse, after gaining access to the motor remember that there are two wires going to the connector one for up and one down. Negative is any bare metal on motor , base. Don’t trust the black wire if you see a third . You can test that later.
Dakazman

[BDA]

D'man implied this but I thought it might be useful to say: the motor direction is dependent on polarity. So you ground the frame of the motor and touch a hot wire to one of the posts. Depending on which post you touch, the motor will spin in one way or the other.

[surfguitar58]

Great advice all! I’ll take the door cards out and report back with the results.
Thanks,
Tom