So Fix it

The PT Cruiser is a car model produced by Chrysler Corporation. It is a small, multipurpose vehicle and was introduced in 2000. One of the most frequently reported problems are the windows, and the wiring and switches that power them.

Front/Back Windows

One issue involves the front windows failing to work while the back ones remain fine. The back windows can be controlled from the floor console in the back and from the mid-console; the front ones only respond to the middle console.

Up and Down

Another problem involves the window switch. The windows have no problem going down but dont go back up. This is due to the window switch on the dashboard being damaged or broken.

Alignment Issues

The alignment of the windows can also cause problems. While the windows are up, the insulating strip begins to fall off. The strip tends to gradually get looser. This can impede the windows as they go down and up.

Automobile power windows are a convenience that few motorists think about until a window stops working or leaks develop around a windows edges. While replacing a power window motor or having electrical work done to return a window to working order can be expensive, some simple power window problems can be found and repaired by the vehicle owner.

Fuses

Check the cars power window fuse. If all of a vehicles power windows stop working, the problem may be the result of a blown fuse. Many power window fuses are sized to support the windows when they are functioning at an optimal level, and if a window channels become sticky, the fuse may fail due to added strain on the electrical system. To check whether a power window fuse is broken, turn the cars ignition key to the "Run" position and try to operate a power window. If the fuse is intact, the window glass will quiver and you will hear the power window motor. If a fuse is broken, you will not hear the power window motor and the glass will not move at all. If this is the case, check the owners manual to locate the cars power window fuse so you can replace it.

Electrical System

Trace the electrical system leading to the power window. To thoroughly inspect the electrical system, you will need a 12 volt test light or voltmeter. Begin at the fuse panel and trace the wiring up to the power window switch, testing to make sure the wiring is carrying 12 volts at all times. If you find a section of wiring that does not carry 12 volts, a malfunctioning breaker or loose connection in that area will be the culprit. Replace the breaker or reconnect the wiring to restore the window to functionality.

Gaskets

If a power window is leaking, a window gasket is likely the cause. Torn or misplaced gaskets can also slow down power windows and ultimately cause them to fail. Inspect the gaskets around the window and repair loose or misplaced gaskets with special adhesives, which can be found in most auto parts stores. Adhesives may also be used to repair torn gaskets, but damaged gaskets sometimes require replacement.

The rubber part of a cars window is erred to as a window rubber. It protects the window as it slides in and out of the car door. Many times, a window rubber can become dry and cracked from weather conditions or from improper maintenance. Window rubbers can also shrink over time. With just a few supplies, they are easy to repair.

Instructions

1

Wash the window rubber thoroughly with soap and water. Any type of soap will do; dishwashing soap works well. Wash with a sponge to avoid causing additional damage with the pressure from a hose.

2

Dry with a lint-free towel. If the rubber is cracked, a traditional towel can get cut on it, or leave lint behind.

3

Apply urethane sealer to the rubber with a paintbrush or applicator pad. Thoroughly coat cracked and chipped areas.

4

Cure the urethane overnight. Curing is allowing it to dry before exposing it to the elements, including sunlight and extreme heat.

The Volvo S70 is a great mid-size luxury car from a Sweden. It comes with many luxury amenities standard, such as power windows. However, European car electronics do have a higher than average failure rate, so to avoid exorbitant import repair costs, you can repair the switch yourself. The switch controls the position of the window by controlling an electrical motor. The switch itself could have damage or the wires leading from the switch could be frayed.

Instructions

1

Drive the Volvo S70 to a garage or other covered area, perably a garage though. You do not want to work on the cars electronics out in the open in case it starts to rain or precipitate. Put the Volvo S70 into "Park" and then engage the parking brake to keep the car from moving while you work on it. Turn the Volvo S70 off and pull the key out of the ignition.

2

Open the door with the window switch that you want to repair. Open it all the way so you have the most room to work with. Take a thin flathead screwdriver and wedge the tip into the seam around the window switch and the armrest bezel. Pry the switch out gently and pull it out by hand, but do not disconnect the wires yet.

3

Inspect the switch for any obvious damage. If the switch itself is damaged then unplug the control wires from the switch. Plug the wires plugs into the port on the new switch and place it back in the armrest. If the switch is fine but there is corrosion on the wires, then pull the wires up and out of the port at the bottom of the switch well. Plug the replacement wire into the port at the bottom of the switch well and then into the old switch.

4

Wedge the switch back into the armrest and then turn the Volvo S70 on. Roll the window up and down to test the window switch. If it does not work then pry the switch out again to make sure the wire plugs are firmly pushed into the port.

Nearly each vehicle being produced today comes equipped with automatic power windows. Wires, a switch and motor are the basic components found in auto window systems. However, there are still a variety of different roll-up styles used to raise and lower the windows in automobiles.

Scissor Roll-Up

Some vehicles have power windows with a scissor linkage that has a cranking device which allows windows to be raised and lowered. This type of roll-up system is prone to issues with rust. It can be jammed, preventing the window from going up and down.

Plastic Roll-Up

Either a plastic strip or a plastic chain is used to raise and lower the windows in some power window systems. Cold weather can affect these types of systems as the plastic drive in the window becomes weak and breaks, preventing the window from moving. The plastic strip can be replaced to counter this issue.

Steel Roll-Up

Steel cable is used in some auto window systems to raise and lower the vehicles windows. Although made of steel, cables are known to break in these types of systems as well. When windows fail to roll up in steel cable systems, it is often due to the window being off track within the vehicles door.

A window wiper arm is the metal rod that attaches below the wiper blade and controls the actual movement of the wiper when it is turned on. If the wiper stops working, then the arm is broken and must be replaced. One common cause of arm malfunction is ice damage during the winter. The first step in replacing the wiper arm is removing the old one. Removing a wiper arm is a quick process that requires basic automotive repair tools.

Instructions

1

Look at the base of the wiper arm where it attaches to the car. Place your hand over the cap that is on top of the arm base and that sits directly over the hinge. Pull up and away from the car to detach the cover. Set the cover aside in a safe location.

2

Locate the metal nut that sits under the location where the cap was. Remove the nut, using a socket wrench, by turning it counterclockwise until it comes off.

3

Lift the windshield wiper arm up until it is pointing straight up and is perpendicular to the vehicle.

4

Pull the wiper arm upward and sightly toward the hood of the car to detach it from the vehicle.

Removing the rear window from your GMC pickup is necessary to replace it with a new one or to upgrade to an aftermarket window. Sliding rear windows, tinted windows or a new window from GM are all great options if your truck needs new rear glass. Most auto glass shops can sell you a new window or an aftermarket replacement. Some salvage yards sell replacement glass as well, but keep in mind that used glass may not hold up as well. Small stress points could cause it to break during installation.

Instructions

1

Open the doors of the truck so you can work on both sides. Then slide the bench seat as far forward as it will go. Lean the seat back forward and climb in behind the seat.

2

Slide a small, thin screwdriver between the body and the rubber gasket surrounding the window. Pull down on the gasket without prying on the glass or it will chip. All you are trying to do is get the gasket below the metal around the window.

3

Pull the gasket down several inches away from the first spot, using an additional screwdriver. Hold the gasket down and work along the edge of the window while pushing out on the glass lightly.

4

Push the glass and gasket out until the top section is outside of the body. Then pull the window up and out of the rubber gasket. Remove the gasket from the window opening by pulling it away from the body all the way around.