mike98

So i had this problem with the passenger side window ever since I bought the car but the weather has been to cold so i didn't bother with it until now. Its a 1998 2 door civic (if it makes a difference)

The window goes up from passenger side switch but it doesn't go down.
The window doesn't go up or down from the drivers side switch

I took the door panel and checked the motor and it spins perfectly fine in both directions (with the window on the tracks), so I'm assuming its a broken wire.

I'd appreciate any suggestions. Also if you know of any diagrams that would help me trace those wires please let me know.
Thanks

lazlong

Check the wire boot in the door hinge area for broken wires (both sides). Post back results and we'll go from there.

asianboy781

check the wires on the driver side main switch cuz if those doesnt work the pass side wont work, use voltage meter to verify the main and slave switch (pass side) is sending voltage if not then i would think u might have an issue with the main switch,

mike98

Am i supposed to take the boot off? if so, how do i do that? It looks like i would have to take the fender off first because it looks like there isn't enough space to fit my hand in there.
Thanks

mike98

Is the Main Switch the actual passenger side window swicth?
Also, what/where is the slave switch?
Thanks

Sorry for noob questions.

lazlong

One thing at a time.

First, check the hinge boots. It's usually the driver's side. If you do find a broken wire you'll have to decide whether it's easier to run a new one thru the boot and splice it in right below the switch (master switch- driver's door, slave- pass door) or disconnect and pull the harness back thru to the interior and repair it there.

It's a tight fit but, you should be able to just fit your hand:

Sorry about the fuzzy pic, crappy phone cam.

Second, if it's not a broken wire then you're gonna have to do an input test on the master switch. Hence the PM you have now.

mike98

OK, i checked the boots and i didn't see any broken wires. I actually took both fenders off to gain better access and there were no signs of damage on any of the wires.
You said the next step was to do an input test. How do i do this?
Thanks

mike98

Never mind, i got the PM. I'm still learning my way around this site lol
Thanks

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

The way the master and slave work together is... the master sends up/down (+ - or - +) to the slave switch, which when at rest sends the voltage direct to motor. 12 volts & ground is also supplied to slave switch so it can work the window up/down.

A few things you could do would be measure voltage to the motor and work back and also, see if you have the "down" voltage coming from the master.

mike98

Sorry i was out of town for a few days.
I took the master and slave switch off and checked continuity at both switches and they are both fine. Other than that i don't really know how to do an input test. I've researched it but i could only find step by step instructions for the 5th generation civic. Are they different from each other or can i follow those instructions for my 6th gen?
Thanks. (rep points for all btw XD )

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

The 6th gen factory manual is available free on the web.

I would measure voltage and work forward or back and maybe apply direct voltage to the isolated motor leads to see if the window can move down.

mike98

Thanks lazong, you were right the first time. I finally got some free time and got to troubleshoot the thing and It turned out to be a wire that got disconnected from the harness thats outside the door. Now i wish i would have checked out those boots a lot better...it would have saved me hours of frustration and taking the car apart .

Now my question is what is the best way to fix this? I was thinking of just replacing that wire harness but idk where the other side ends. I'm hoping the whole thing is like 6 inches long (as it looks) and attaches to the exterior...and doesn't go through the chassis because it looks really difficult to fish a new one.

I would really appreciate if i got some feedback by tomorrow since i have the whole day off. But any day would be fine as well.
Thanks