A power window malfunction may not affect your ability to drive your car, but it can be a safety issue for you or your passengers. If your Fiat is showing signs that the power windows may not be working, don’t ignore this.
Anyone who has driven a modern car has interacted with a power window! You press a button, and the window comes down. Press it again, the window goes up. People use this technology, but don’t understand the complicated mechanical and electrical processes and components such as the motor, switch, and gears that exist behind the scenes to make this system work.
Here’s a quick explanation of how power windows operate.
- The Switch: When you press the switch, which is normally on the door panel or sometimes in the center console, an electrical signal is sent to the motor.
- The Motor: With the help of the gear mechanism, the rotating motor transforms its motion into linear motion to push up or lower the window.
- The Gear Mechanism: The gear mechanism is actually what moves the window along the track.
- The Linkage or Window Regulator: It’s the mechanical assembly that actuates the upward or downward movement of the window when power is applied. It also helps to keep the window level.
- The Battery: The system is wired to the 12-volt battery of your car so that it can draw power from it to work.
Common Signs that Your Power Window is Going Bad
Here are some signs that the power window of your Fiat is not working, and you may need to take it to a professional garage.
- Window is Unresponsive: The window is stuck and remains that way even after you press the switch.
- Jerky Movements: The window snags while going up or down in a stop-and-go motion or moves unevenly.
- Strange Noises: Grinding, squeaking, or clicking noises while the window moves.
- Switch Doesn’t Respond: Several attempts are required to make the switch to respond so that the window moves.
- Window Falls: The window fails to stay up and falls into the car door.
What to Do When the Power Window Stops Working
You can take some steps to troubleshoot and perhaps mitigate a window that is not functioning properly. It’s best to take your Fiat to a professional mechanic.
- Disconnect the Battery: Safety first! Disconnect the battery so that there is no fear of electrical shocks or unintended window movement.
- Check the Fuse: A thorough inspection is required of all the fuses related to the power windows. First, identify those, then do a visual inspection. Finally, use a multimeter by setting it to its correct settings and placing the probes on either end of the fuse.
- Listen for Sounds: Press the switch and pay close attention to what kind of sound you hear. No sound means most likely the motor has burnt out. Grinding or squeaking noises mean the motor is struggling. The reasons could be varied. You’ll need to do a deeper inspection.
- Power Check: A multimeter can help you determine whether electricity is flowing to the motor as intended. If there is power but no movement, then it means the motor is not working.
- All the Wires and Connections: You need to meticulously scrutinize the condition of all the relevant wires and connections for damage or see if they are loose.
- Direct Power Test: A thorough test is to use jumper cables and apply power directly to the motor. This is how you can find out whether the problem lies in the motor or the switch.
Safety and Other Considerations
If you’re doing it yourself (DIY), make 
sure to follow these best practices. Otherwise, you could severely hurt yourself and also damage your car.
- Don’t Force the Window: You may destroy the regulator or the motor further, if you force the window up or down manually.
- Proper Tools: It is critical you make sure you are using the correct tools for the job. Professionals have specialized tools for each job and can remain safe themselves, and they can ensure that they don’t harm your vehicle any further.
At Lancer Service, we are your trusted auto repair experts who can help you with all your car needs, including power windows. Call us or make an appointment and visit us in St. Paul, Minnesota.