Test power window motor?

[Tom R.]

Assuming the AIM is correct (page K284), the power window motors appear to have been replaced at some point in my car. The black ground wire leading to each motor has been terminated about 4" from the connector that plugs into the end of the motor. It was neatly re-taped and if not for the AIM, I wouldn't have detected. The motors have no identifying marks or stampings that I can see. Is there a way to bench test these with just the remaining brown and blue wires that lead into the connector? Solid brown and blue on driver's side and same colors w/white stripes on the passenger side. When I purchased the car, the windows were up and the car was not in running condition so I'm trying to determine if the motors are any good.

[David D.]

Re: Test power window motor?

Tom - May not be the most scientific, but I have tested with a 12v battery using two wires with alligator clips on each end. Do not spin the motors for a prolonged period, just enough to prove they spin up.

[Jack H.]

Re: Test power window motor?

If memory serves, there are several revision levels of the pwr window motors that address running changes in design (speed, etc.) with the later units having a connector/pin-out difference. I also recall in-line adaptors being available to properly connect the late model motors to an early car electrical harness...

[Alger R.]

Re: Test power window motor?

I've used a battery charger to run windows up and down or check various components.

[Edward J.]

Re: Test power window motor?

Tom, the way the power windows work is on a switching ground. power on one side to go up, then its switchs the ground to run the motor down.

I have seen many breaks on the harnesses as they go through the door and piller area, its the constant opening and closing of door that creates a break in that area. also the harnesses instalation get hardenedas they get older and causes the wire to break.

[John H.]

Re: Test power window motor?

Tom, the way the power windows work is on a switching ground. power on one side to go up, then its switchs the ground to run the motor down.

Ed -

Are you sure? On midyears, there are separate "up" and "down" power feeds to the motor from the switch, and the motor case has a fixed ground.

[Edward J.]

Re: Test power window motor?

John, I Don't Have A Wiring Dia. In Front Of Me, But I Could Be Wrong, When Power Window Motors Have A Two Wire Motor,they Usually switch The Ground To Reverse Motor Directions.

[Tom R.]

Re: Test power window motor?

On my present 70 motors, there are only 2 wires at the connector. There is no separate connector for ground as shown in the AIM. I take this to indicate that the motors have been replaced. So do I just ground the motor case and touch positive to one of the wires for up and reverse with the other wire for down?

[Edward J.]

Re: Test power window motor?

Tom. If You Want To Test The Motor Ground One Side And Power The Other, If The Motor Is Going Down And You Want To Go Up Just Switch The Wires The Other Direction.-does This Make Sense To You?

[Tom R.]

Re: Test power window motor?

Yes, and as you can see, electricity is not my strong suit. Switching the wires to change travel directions never occured to me. I just needed someone to spell it out.

Thank you

[Michael M.]

Re: Test power window motor?

Tom, using your battery or charger, ground case to neg and run postive test lead to either of the two terminals on the motor. One should run it up and the other down. If you need to add the ground terminal , the one like used on the back of your instrument panel is available from LICS and probably most of the other suppliers. Install on one of the case long screws. Good Luck!