2001 Corolla S - 3/4 of Windows Won't Roll

[bbetenson]

I have a 2001 Toyota Corolla S 1.8L. The car is in great shape; however, both front and rear driver side windows and the rear passenger side window are having problems. The front passenger side window works fine. It doesn't matter if I use the Master Control or the individual door switches on any of the "broken" windows; I get the same problem result.

Here is what happens. Typically, but not always, I can get all 3 of the "broken" windows to roll down about an inch before they stop. Sometimes they do not move at all when I control them. The Windows will never go back up unless I force the window up with one hand while using the switch with the other (Primarily dealing with Front Driver Side Windows). I don't believe I hear any noises from the motor when going down or up; I need to listen again. It has been a while since I have last played with them for fear of the windows not going back up and staying there.

I am looking for suggestions on possible causes or any methods to troubleshoot the root cause of the problem. Does anyone know exactly how the master switch works? Are all doors tied into the Master Controller Switch and the master switch then connected to the fuse box?

If I remember right from the sounds of it it seems like the 3 "broken" window motors just aren't getting any power, while the 4th window is fine. My initial thought was to replace the Master Window Control in efforts to troubleshoot but thought I would check in first. Thank you for your help and patience with me! I lack a lot of knowledge and understanding when it comes to anything cars.

Thanks again!

Brad

[glow-plug]

Most of the time wire break as they run to the doors and the "A" pillar (where the hinge is), pull the boot back and check the condition of the wires.

[bbetenson]

Thanks Glow-Plug. I was only able to get the boot back a few inches and really wasn't able to see anything. I suspect in order to see more of the wires I would have to to pull off the door panel in order to pull the boot off completely. I won't be able to do that until next weekend. I look forward to more suggestions on possible causes as this is tough to check into. The wires would have to break on 3 of the four doors which for me is a long shot. Perhaps where the door wires are running to the central spot would be more then likely the break point?

Thanks for any suggestions and comments.

Brad

[mr1114]

Could be motors. Dont know how likely it is for 3 of them to go bad. But from reading on here, it seems to be a common issue. I'm having a problem right now with my LR window. Goes down fine, but going up it stops after a couple seconds. Have to wait a little while before it goes up again, until it stops again, and so on. Since I'm always using the A/C right now, I'm in no rush to fix it. But its a common symptom for a bad window motor.

[glow-plug]

Could be motors some other manufacturers had circuit breakers on the motor could tried.

[blue02rolla]

I had to have the motor replaced on the driver's side window. An expensive fix at Toyota... about $500.