Power windows is a feature that makes our journey very comfortable. This article is about power windows and their working.
Table of Contents
Components
This system consists of an actuator usually placed in the door, a motor, electronic control unit, anti-pinch (current) sensor, Child lock switch and worm gear.
Working
Actuator
The circuit of a power window switch (3 step) is shown above. When switch is in its neutral position, both the terminals of the motor has the same charge and hence, the motor is OFF. But when you press the switch up or down, electric field is developed in the corresponding coil and the developed magnetic force makes it work like an electromagnetic switch and that side of the circuit is ground (all negative terminals of an automobile are grounded to the chassis). This makes the motor to spin due to the potential difference. This is just a basic circuit and the one which is seen in modern cars have one touch up or down function and this has two steps for up and two steps for rolling the windows down.
Regulator
The motor can be connected to the window glass by two different types of regulators; gear and rope. In the gear type, the motor is connected to a pinion which is connected to a leaver which has a bigger gear arc on the pinion side and motion is transmitted via levers. On the other hand, the most common mechanism is the rope regulation assembly where the motor drives the rope which is connected to a bracket where the glass is bolted and it slides along a slider. Depending upon the user input, the rope pulls in or pushes out the window.
Problems
Power windows can fail mainly in two ways.
1. Electrical problems
2. Problem in the regulator
Electrical issues
When you press the switch and if the window doesn`t move observe closely. If you can`t hear any sound from the motor, it can be an electrical issue. The fuse is broken are the motor is faulty and it can be replaced in some of the assemblies.
Faulty Regulator
If you can hear the sound of the motor running when switch is pressed, the regulator assembly is faulty this could be broken bracket, worn rope or broken slider. The broken part(s) can be changed individually or the whole assembly can be changed.