Otis Singleton
Electric windows in cars are usually powered by a circuit breaker rather than a fuse due to the high draw of the motors. The circuit breaker is often located in the smart box or under the hood fuse box. In some cars, the breaker can be found in one of the four switch positions under the radio/OBC (where the speaker fader is). In other cases, the breaker may be located in the interior fuse box to the left of the steering wheel. To identify the specific location of the circuit breaker for electric windows, it is recommended to refer to the car's manual or seek guidance from a professional mechanic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power windows use a fuse or not | No, they use a circuit breaker |
| Location of the circuit breaker | Under the hood, in the smart box or fuse box |
| Location of the fuse | Left of the steering wheel, in the interior fuse box |
| Circuit breaker identification | Red sides and no markings on the front; newer ones have a symbol of a window |
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What You'll Learn
Power windows use a circuit breaker, not a fuse
Power windows use a circuit breaker instead of a fuse due to the high draw of the motors. The circuit breaker prevents the need for a new fuse every time the window is rolled up or down. This is because the current rises at the ends of the up-and-down travel to shut off the motor and prevent glass damage and motor failure.
In modern cars, each window motor has a separate fuse. However, in some cars, all power windows are connected to a single fuse and a circuit breaker. This fuse is sufficient to provide current to open all four windows simultaneously. The fuse wires are spread from the driver's side to the passenger side and back.
The circuit breaker is usually #47 and can be found in the smart box or under the hood fuse box. It should be visible and marked on the underside cover of the box. If the circuit breaker is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
If there is no power at the switch, the breaker/fuse may be bad, or there could be a short in the wire. It is recommended to check the wiring and for any broken wires, especially between the door and jamb, as this is a common issue.
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Breakers are in the smart box or under-hood fuse box
If your electric windows aren't working, it could be an issue with the fuse. In many vehicles, the breakers for the electric windows are located in the smart box, also known as the junction box, or the under-hood fuse box. These boxes house multiple fuses and relays that control various electrical systems in your car, including the power windows.
The smart box or junction box is usually located in the engine compartment, often near the battery or on the driver's side fender. It is typically a rectangular box with a secure lid, and it may have a diagram or label indicating the location of each fuse and relay. Lifting the lid will provide access to the fuses and allow for inspection and replacement if necessary.
The under-hood fuse box is typically located in the engine bay, often near the battery or along the fender wall. It may be covered by a plastic lid or panel, which can be removed to access the fuses. This box often contains high-power fuses for critical systems, including the electric windows.
To locate the specific fuse for your power windows, refer to your car's owner's manual or look for a diagram near the fuse box. The diagram will indicate which fuse corresponds to the power windows and may also provide information on the fuse rating and type. It's important to use the correct fuse rating when replacing fuses to avoid any potential damage to the electrical system.
Once you've located the fuse for the electric windows, you can inspect it for any signs of damage or melting. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same rating and type, ensuring it is securely inserted into the correct slot. After replacing the fuse, test the power windows to see if they are now operational. If the issue persists, there may be a problem with the window regulator, switches, or wiring, requiring further diagnosis.
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Breakers reset themselves
Power windows use a circuit breaker instead of a fuse due to the high draw of the motors. Circuit breakers #47 are located in the smart box or under-hood fuse box.
Circuit breakers cannot reset themselves and must be manually reset. Breakers that trip can be reset by first flipping them to the Off position and then to the On position. If the breaker trips immediately, it could indicate an overloaded circuit or a wiring issue.
There are three types of circuit breakers:
- Type 1 breakers are auto-resettable and will attempt to reset the circuit as the internal elements cool down.
- Type 2 breakers, or modified reset breakers, will remain tripped until the power is removed.
- Type 3 breakers are manually resettable and require a button or lever to be pushed to reset.
To reset your home's breakers, locate the breaker panel, which is typically in the garage. Turn off every breaker one by one, then reset the main breaker. Finally, turn each breaker back on individually.
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Breakers may be under the radio/OBC
If you are looking for the fuse for your electric windows, it's important to note that it is not a fuse but a circuit breaker. In some car models, the breaker is located in a moulded recess to the right of the steering column, about where your right knee would be. However, in many cars, the breaker is found in one of the four switch positions under the radio/OBC (where the speaker fader is). This is because, during assembly, it is quicker to pop the breaker into one of the existing holes under the radio than to cut out a specific hole in the kick panel.
The kick panel is the panel that covers the underside of the dash and the steering column. If you are unsure whether you have found the breaker, look out for a switch with red sides and no markings on the front (newer ones may have a symbol of a window). You may also notice a dangling switch under the dash, which could be the breaker.
If you are still unable to locate the breaker, try looking under the dash. Some car models have a holder for two breakers here, and one may be hanging down. If you are hearing a clicking noise in the radio area, this could indicate that the breaker is located somewhere near the radio.
If your electric windows are not working, it could be due to a problem with the wiring or switches going to the motors. Try swapping the locations of the two metal-cased circuit breakers on the fuse panel. If the power windows start working but the power locks stop, you have identified the issue.
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Check wiring and switches going to motors
Electric windows are typically powered by a circuit breaker, due to the high draw of the motors. To check the wiring and switches going to the motors, you can perform the following steps:
- Identify the wires: Locate the wires that connect to the power window motor. These wires will likely include a blue and brown wire, as well as a ground wire.
- Disconnect the connector: Use a flat-blade screwdriver to disconnect the connector that allows power to reach the power window motor. This will allow you to test the circuit safely.
- Turn on the ignition: Power up the car's electronic components, including the power window mechanism, by turning on the ignition.
- Use a test light: Connect a test light, such as a Circuit Sage Test Light (CSTL), to the circuit. This will allow you to safely check for power and ground connections.
- Check the power supply to the motor: With the test light connected, flip the power window switch up and down. If the test light does not illuminate, it indicates a lack of power supply to the motor.
- Test the ground connection: Set aside the test light and connect it to a good ground source, such as a bolt on the door panel. This will help determine if the issue is related to the ground circuit.
- Perform a continuity test: With the motor disconnected from the vehicle's wiring, perform a continuity test to check for broken wires. This can be done using a multimeter or a test light.
- Check for voltage: Use a voltmeter or a test light to confirm the presence of voltage (DC volts) at the motor connector while operating the window switch. This will help determine if the issue is related to power delivery to the motor.
- Inspect for broken wires: Visually inspect the wiring between the door and jamb for any signs of damage or broken wires. This could be a potential cause for the window malfunction.
- Verify switch functionality: Operate the window switch and observe if the motor responds temporarily. Sometimes, tapping on the door or lightly hitting the window motor can help diagnose a bad motor.
- Check battery voltage: Measure the battery voltage across the window motor connector terminals while operating the switch. This will help determine if the issue is related to power delivery from the battery.
- Compare resistance: If you have access to a multimeter, measure the resistance between the blue and brown wires going to the motor. Compare this resistance value with the expected range of 6 to 20 ohms. Significantly higher resistance may indicate a problem with the motor or wiring.
By following these steps, you can thoroughly check the wiring and switches going to the electric window motors and identify any potential issues causing the malfunction. Remember to work carefully and refer to your vehicle's manual or seek professional assistance if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Power windows don't use a fuse, they use a circuit breaker due to the high draw of the motors. The circuit breaker is in the smart box or under-hood fuse box.
The owner's manual shows the window circuit breaker located in a moulded recess about where your right knee would be, to the right of the steering column.
The breaker switch has red sides and no markings on the front. Newer ones have a symbol of a window on them.
