Power window control issue

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Jun 5, 2014 | 11:54 AM

SGorman13

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Power window control issue

My old man has a 2000 f350 7.3l lariat crew cab with 160k. He just started having issues with his driver side window controls. If he hits the auto window down /up button on the driver side door then all the windows and door locks will stop working. He has to unhook the batteries to (reset) the truck, before things will go back to normal. He can use the other window buttons on the driver side control panel as well as the window buttons on all the other doors but when he presses the auto up/down it will "lock" everything. Also when after he presses the auto driver side up/down and it "locks" everything, if he keeps pressing it there is a clicking noise under the steering wheel in the fuse panel. He said he checked all fuses and relays and everything seems to be fine. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks

Jun 5, 2014 | 07:59 PM

whitetmw

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SGorman13

If he hits the auto window down /up button on the driver side door then all the windows and door locks will stop working.

That would lead me to believe there is an issue in the Control Head. But, the Control Head has 3-5 separate harnesses depending upon the vehicle options. The Window Lock Switch only Shunts Power to the other windows but not the Operator's Head Unit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGorman13

He has to unhook the batteries to (reset) the truck, before things will go back to normal. He can use the other window buttons on the driver side control panel as well as the window buttons on all the other doors but when he presses the auto up/down it will "lock" everything. Also when after he presses the auto driver side up/down and it "locks" everything, if he keeps pressing it there is a clicking noise under the steering wheel in the fuse panel.

This kind of indicates to me that the GEM or Relay Coil may be weak or malfunctioning. I say that because once power is removed everything returns to "normal" . This leads me away from the control head.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGorman13

He said he checked all fuses and relays and everything seems to be fine. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks

A Relay can appear to function normally without a load. Ask him to change the relay with another one in the truck and see if that cures the problem.

If it doesn't, perhaps the GEM itself is malfunctioning. Do you have access to a high-end scan tool like AE? These will allow the user to run tests and report specific issues in the GEM.

I looked at a Troubleshooting Matrix but was unable to find the specific problem as stated. I'll look more after I get the kids to bed.

Jun 6, 2014 | 03:10 PM

SGorman13

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Just an update, my dad installed a new driver side control head and still same issue. We switched relays around and still same issue. I was actually able to look at his truck today. When pressing the auto window button down it does nothing, when you press it up, the dome light and door lights flash and relay #4 buzzes. Tried switching relays but still same issue. With the key in the ignition other window control buttons on driver side control head will work and dome light will be on but after about 5 seconds everything stops working and the lights go out as if some security feature is enabled. About 4 months ago he had someone pry out the key hole on the drivers side door, wondering if this had something to do with the issue. It's almost as if it's just the auto up/down button that is causing issues. You press it down it shuts everything off, you press it up and it turns everything back on like a switch.

Jun 6, 2014 | 05:20 PM

whitetmw

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SGorman13

About 4 months ago he had someone pry out the key hole on the drivers side door, wondering if this had something to do with the issue. It's almost as if it's just the auto up/down button that is causing issues. You press it down it shuts everything off, you press it up and it turns everything back on like a switch.

There is a possibility if someone broke into the truck that the wiring harness could well be the issue. They may have attempted to use a "Slim-Jim" or other devise which may have compromised a circuit.

I would suggest you remove door panel and inspect all the wires for damage prior to moving forward.