Trouble Shooting Couple Electrical Items

[Black&Gifted]

I just took delivery last night of a very low mileage 03 300A (pics to come). Long story short, I purchased it sight unseen from a small town dealership in Arkansas. Obviously, I played with as much as I could last night before having to put her up. There were a couple issues I noticed off the bat that I would appreciate some input on:

1. Passenger front power window doesn't go down. Effectively there is no sound when I push the button. Both the master power window switch on the driver's door and the switch on the passenger door do nothing. Also, the button for that window on the master switch does not illuminate (not sure about the passenger side button). My thought initially was bad switch and easy fix, however, it seems a bit odd for that if both the driver's control and passenger control aren't working (and illumination item mentioned). Thoughts?

2. Driver's headlight is super-duper dim compared to the passenger side. Fog lamps, turn signals, etc. all seem to be fine. Will play around with this more but any ideas? Bulb? Bad ground?

Thank you in advance!

[fastblackmerc]

I just took delivery last night of a very low mileage 03 300A (pics to come). Long story short, I purchased it sight unseen from a small town dealership in Arkansas. Obviously, I played with as much as I could last night before having to put her up. There were a couple issues I noticed off the bat that I would appreciate some input on:

1. Passenger front power window doesn't go down. Effectively there is no sound when I push the button. Both the master power window switch on the driver's door and the switch on the passenger door do nothing. Also, the button for that window on the master switch does not illuminate (not sure about the passenger side button). My thought initially was bad switch and easy fix, however, it seems a bit odd for that if both the driver's control and passenger control aren't working (and illumination item mentioned). Thoughts?

Very possible that the switches need to be replaced or fixed. I can do that for you.

2. Driver's headlight is super-duper dim compared to the passenger side. Fog lamps, turn signals, etc. all seem to be fine. Will play around with this more but any ideas? Bulb? Bad ground?

Most likely a bad ground.

Thank you in advance!

See my answers.

[Black&Gifted]

Thank you, FBM. That's kinda what I thought on the headlight. Will be sending you a PM to discuss some items.


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[Spectragod]

If you need switch assemblies, I have a few sets. Most likely the switch is bad on the passenger door, otherwise it's functions on the right side would work.

The led just needs resolve red on the drivers switch assembly.

[Turbov6Bryan]

When i put a new front header after a wreck on my DTR, I installed new headlights and the passenger side was dim. Put new bulb in and still dim


It ended up being, where the main whip harness from the headlight to the quick connect found if you remove the black 4 foot long plastic piece up top between the core support and the nose.

The connector was split and one of the wire brass connectors inside was PUSHED DOWN INSIDE NOT ALLOWING COMPLETE CONTACT.

I have a few sets of headlight harness whip hoses if you find yours is **** ed

Mine i used a used headlight assy and repinned that **** er and its working like new. Let me know, pull off that black piece of plastic with the belt routing decal and you will easily see that harness whip harness and look inside for a wire pushed in farther than the rest.
FIXED

[Black&Gifted]

Thanks for the replies.

New interesting development was discovered this evening.

(1) passenger front window suddenly started working. Both by the driver's master switch and by the passenger front switch. Completely lost now as I thought of the switch goes bad, then it's done and won't work. Ever.

(2) somehow when moving the car tonight from the street to my driveway, the driver's headlight was much brighter. Not the same intensity as the passenger headlight, but definitely more illuminated (would say only a small noticeable difference between driver and passenger headlight brightness). Weird fact to disclose is that when I started the car, the headlight was super dim as mentioned in first post. However, I waited about 5 minutes before moving it bc I was checking out some other items. After moved it, that's when I noticed the headlight was brighter. Being dumbfounded, I turned the car off, waited a few minutes and then started her again. Well, driver's headlight went back to being super dim...

Could this be a tell-tale sign of a larger issue or could they be related? Electrical items are definitely not my forte.

Will check it out again tomorrow before I go to work, but now I'm really stumped.

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[Gryphonzus]

Sometimes the windows stick so they will not roll down. The best way to test this is to have the car on and open the drivers door. Then hold the window switch down and slam the door. It may take a couple of tries. If that does not work then the motor or switch may be bad.

[Black&Gifted]

Sometimes the windows stick so they will not roll down. The best way to test this is to have the car on and open the drivers door. Then hold the window switch down and slam the door. It may take a couple of tries. If that does not work then the motor or switch may be bad.



Noted. That could have been the case, and if so, that's awesome. Will obviously keep an eye on it.

Although, I didn't see that diagnosis method in the manual...LOL


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[fastblackmerc]

All the switches that I've repaired have had burned contacts. I file the contacts down and adjust the arms to keep the same throw dimensions.

[fastblackmerc]

Noted. That could have been the case, and if so, that's awesome. Will obviously keep an eye on it.

Although, I didn't see that diagnosis method in the manual...LOL


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See if current is getting to the window motor.

Close the doors with all the interior lights off.
Turn the key to the RUN position.
Turn on one of the map lights.
Operate the window switch, if the motor/regulator is jammed the map light will dim, if the map light doesn't dim then there is either no power to the switch or no power to the motor.

[fastblackmerc]

For your headlight issue:

Are the bulbs stock (incandescent) or HIDs?

[Catfish]

Check your battery. If your car has been sitting on a lot for awhile it could need charged. Might even need replaced. Cars do weird things when the battery is weak.

[Black&Gifted]

For your headlight issue:

Are the bulbs stock (incandescent) or HIDs?

The are incandescent.

Also, apologies for not PM'ing you yet on a few items. Work has been kicking my ass the last few days.

I have noticed that the interior lights dim (dome lights) when pressing the window button, but will check the method you mention above.


Check your battery. If your car has been sitting on a lot for awhile it could need charged. Might even need replaced. Cars do weird things when the battery is weak.

I'm pretty sure it is the original battery. Car only has 15k (well, almost 16k) on it so pretty good indicator its been sitting for a while lol. Will have the charging system checked.

[fastblackmerc]

I'm pretty sure it is the original battery. Car only has 15k (well, almost 16k) on it so pretty good indicator its been sitting for a while lol. Will have the charging system checked.

If it's the original battery it's 12 or 13 years old.... :eek: I'd replace it anyway.

[Black&Gifted]

Issues resolved and want to close out the loop in case it helps someone in the future.

Headlight was a loose connection as well as the bulb. Bulb had brownish color near the base almost like it was burnt out. however, being incandescent, I thought they either worked or they didn't. oh well, its taken care off.

window suddenly started working as I mentioned above. likely because it was jammed and then because unjammed from "gently" slamming the door as Gryphonsus mentioned.

[vegasmarauder]

To fix the stuck window issue without having to repeatedly slam the doo, rock the switch at the offending window back and forth up/down about a half second at each position (the internal circuit breaker in the motor opens at a half second of no movement so holding the switch more than that is a waste of time). Then slap your hand pretty hard under the armrest in the center of the door while rocking the switch. The window should unstick in a few cycles. I use a dry lube avery few months on the window channels to help prevent the windows from sticking.