Need some help with power window system (2001)

This Senior has a 2001 Tacoma SR5. Power window on the drivers side has been giving me fits. It will lower when switch is engaged, however, attempts to raise window has been sporadic. That is, it may raise an inch or two then stop. Repeating the process will raise less each time until it stops altogether. I usually have to wait the control switch out, sometimes several minutes or so, before it resumes activity of a slight movement before stopping?? Just don't lower it when it is raining, snowing, or cold outside.

The passenger side window works nicely. Looking forward to hearing from other Tacoma owners as to where to start on finding & repairing the problem. Your assistance would be very much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to assist this old Tacoma owner. SP.

 

its either the switch or the motor.

pull the door panel off and unplug the motor, touch 12v+ and 12v- to the two plug pins and the motor should go up or down just fine. swap the wires to go in the other direction.

if the motor works fine then its the switch is bad. some people have taken them apart and cleaned them with success if it was just dirty but im not a fan of this idea.

if its not working correctly then buy a oem replacement switch, DO NOT BUY THOSE AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT SWITCHES, they are junk.

check here for a replacement switch or a replacement power window regulator and motor if that is what is bad: http://www.car-part.com/index.htm

 

I bet the contacts on your master switch assembly are dirty.

First one to really get gunked up is the driver's side "up" contact. It's the one that has the longest duration, and most frequent, contact.

1. Buy some electrical contact cleaner (Autozone, Walmart etc has it): http://www.autozone.com/miscellaneo...ts-cleaner/crc-electronic-cleaner/128435_0_0/
2. Remove the master switch assembly from the driver's side door panel.
3. Clean the contacts by spraying the cleaner on it. I also used q-tips.
4. Reassemble

It's exactly what I did and it cured the problem.

Before. Those two long fin contacts are for your driver's side. Mine were coated in black residue.



After. You can see how clean those fins are. I bet that is your problem.

 

Why is it a bad idea? If the contacts are just dirty and the switch is fine, why not just clean the contacts? No need to buy a new switch. Plus that won't solve the problem if the contacts remain dirty.

 

What would be the procedure to remove the master switch assembly on this unit to test/clean it. The Haynes Manual is all I have to work with an it doesn't go into detail on how it is fastened an how to remove it before I mess it up? Thank you. SP

 

Trying to remember off the top of my head... and I have a 1998. So use this plus common sense when looking at your 2001.

It's a very simple process, should only take a minute or two.

Remove the two screws (behind screw caps, pop these off) that hold the armrest/switch panel in place. Reach behind the armrest and unclip the two (or three?) wiring harness/connectors. I believe the master assembly (pictured above) is just held to the bottom of the switch panel by two screws. You may have to gently pry the switch panel cover off the armrest. I can't remember.

Sorry it's been a few years since I removed mine. Memory is a bit foggy. But like I said, it's super easy and once you're looking at it, your common sense will kick in.

 

Looking at this video (which is for a 96-02 4runner, so not exactly what you need) you might be able to just gently pry up the switch panel, unclip the harnesses then unscrew the master switch assembly from under the panel. Even though this isn't your vehicle, this is essentially what you are trying to accomplish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRQjM9VzZQ

 

only because I go by the rule most people will lose or misalign all the little bits and pieces inside because they have no experience separating switches with springs, ball bearings, slides, and loose contacts inside and wouldn't be able to understand how everything goes and be able to put it back together again.

as to not recommending aftermarket switches, I believe they are all cheap china crap and while they can work, far too often I see people say they bought one and now its bad again just a year later.

 

I have to agree with Keakar on this one!!!

If your asking how to troubleshoot a electric window issue most likely taking apart a switch could be a problem.

Even working on these type of things all my life springs and little parts go flying never to be seen again.

Get another switch take the old one apart when it is no longer needed.

We all have our areas of expertise .

 

Have you taken the one out of your Tacoma? My 1998 was as simple as it gets. Just a couple of those butterfly rocker pieces that make contact with the contacts. No springs, nothing intricate at all. It sounds like he just needs to clean the contacts, there's really nothing involved. Look at the first pic I posted, just four of those butterfly rockers. That's it.

I had never dived into such a project before doing it myself. It was as simple and straightforward as it gets. I swear by the adage, "if I can do it, anybody can."

 

I'm in the process of trying to determine the best place to start? Also to make some sense out of the Haynes repair manual I have? It jumps around from the 4-runner & Tacoma diagrams. My vision is not the best, but will contemplate the suggestion. Maybe there is a video, somewhere, that shows the step by step process of panel removal before ......
Thank you for your thoughts & suggestions. SP

 

Appreciate the suggestion. At some point, hopefully today I will look into this with more knowledge. If all goes well, will post progress & results. Thank you! SP

 

to get the switch plate off just lift from the front and it unsnaps from the catch, the rear just sits in a slot

for getting the panel off, look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHrfw6wUU_0

 

Just a bit of an update. Removed switch, cleaned reinstalled not any difference. Will contemplate taking the driver's side panel and locate the drive motor & assembly. I'll checked around for motor & maybe both motor & assembly. Where does the forum buy there parts at a cost effective price? Thank you! SP

 

its cheaper to buy the motor and bracket as one. its not sold separately AFAIK except as used parts


I just bought two good condition oem originals from salvaged trucks (driver and passenger sides) from this place for $18 each plus $25 to mail it to me http://www.abcofridleyautoparts.com/

 

Look at RockAuto.com for a selection of parts at reasonable prices. You choose the part and quality price point that you want. They ship pretty quick as well. They also carry after-market motors & regulators for our windows.

 

It's the motor. Had same problem. Bought new master switch for $195 from dealer and still same problem. Bought a used power window and problem solved.

 

On my 1st gen.