Silverado Power Windows Problems - Reasons and Ways to Fix

There are a few potential causes for your Silverado's troubles with its power windows. These are mostly related to the electrical components of your truck or some obstructions along the way of its moving parts.

Electrical equipment problems highlights

  • Level of urgency:low
  • DIY inspection:possible
  • DIY repairs:possible but complicated
  • Can you drive?yes
  • Price of repairs:$150 - $350
  • Ifignored:problems may develop and escalate
  • Ways to fix:diagnose and replace the broken parts, try resetting the affected units

 

Chevrolet Silverado power windows problems (1)

1. Blown Fuse

The most common cause of power window problems is a blown fuse. If one of the fuses in your Silverado's fuse box has blown, it may be causing a short or overload in the circuitry of your auto. Therefore, it will need to be replaced before the power windows will work again.

There are a few things you can watch out for that will help you detect a blown fuse in your truck. One symptom to look for is dimmed or flickering lights. This could be a sign that the electrical current in your vehicle is not flowing as smoothly as it should be.

Another symptom to be aware of is strange sounds coming from your truck's electrical system. If you hear popping, crackling, or buzzing sounds, it could indicate a problem with the fuse. A faint burning smell of plastic can also be an indication. Finally, if your vehicle's accessories stop working altogether, the fuse has likely blown.

If your Silverado has a blown fuse, there are a few things you can do to find the one that is causing all the trouble. First, you'll need to check the electrical panel and all of the fuses to see which one is blown. You may need to use a flashlight to get a better view of the panel. If the fuse shorted just recently, it could still be emitting a faint smoke with the smell of burnt plastic. You will also notice some charred areas in the fuse.

Once you've found the blown fuse, remove it and replace it with a new one. Be sure to use a fuse with the same amperage as the one you are replacing so that it doesn't short again. If you're having trouble finding the faulty fuse, you can always consult your vehicle owner's manual which came with your auto, or that can be found online on the official website of your automaker. The manual should have a diagram of the electrical system and show you where to find the fuse panel.

Taking care of a blown fuse is a simple task that anyone can do. However, this trivial problem can be made more complicated if you have used a substandard fuse or you made a mistake in determining the amperage of the replacement.

To be sure, it is always more prudent to ask for the assistance of someone familiar with the electronic system of your vehicle. Doing so will keep its electrical system running smoothly. This should only cost you somewhere around $10 to $20 for the parts and $50 to $100 for the labor depending on where you are getting the issue fixed.

2. Wrong Fuse

If you use the wrong amperage in your Silverado fuse, it can cause several problems. The most serious issue is that it can cause an electrical fire. This is because the fuse is designed to protect the wiring in your truck from overheating. If the fuse is not able to handle the amount of current flowing through it, the wires can overheat and catch fire.

One more problem that can occur if you use a fuse with the wrong amperage is that your auto's electrical system can be damaged. This is because the fuse protects the components in your electrical system from damage due to excessive current. If the fuse couldn't manage the amount of current flowing through it, the components can be damaged or destroyed.

Furthermore, using the wrong amperage fuse can cause your truck's engine to stall. This is because the fuse protects the ignition system from damage due to disproportionate current. If the fuse can't take the amount of current flowing through it, the ignition system can be damaged or destroyed, causing the engine to stall.

Using the wrong amperage in your vehicle's fuse comes with dire consequences. It is important to be aware of this and to make sure that you are using the correct fuse for your unit. Again, we reiterate consulting a certified technician when replacing your fuse to avoid these.

3. Faulty Switch

Another common cause of power window failure in the Silverado is a faulty switch. If the switch that controls the power window is not working properly, it may need to be replaced. In some cases, simply cleaning the contacts on the switch can fix the issue.

The switch problem in power windows is a very common issue that can occur in any vehicle. There are a few different symptoms that may be associated with this problem, and it is important to be familiar with them so that you can diagnose and fix the issue as soon as possible.

One of the most common symptoms of a switch problem in power windows is that the window will not operate smoothly. This can be caused by a variety of different things, but one of the most common causes is a dirty or damaged switch. If the switch is not working properly, it will not be able to provide the necessary power to the window motor and cause the window to operate smoothly.

The best way to fix a switch problem in power windows is to replace the switch. However, if the problem is caused by a damaged or dirty switch, you may be able to clean or repair the switch so that it will work properly again.

If you are having trouble finding a replacement switch for your power windows, you can always contact a professional mechanic. They should be able to help you find the right part for your vehicle and then install it for you. All these should cost you approximately $200 to $250 for the replacement part and around $50 for the labor.

4. Defective Power Window Motor

Different things can cause motor failure in power windows, especially for the Silverado. If you are quite sure that it's not a fuse or switch causing the problem, then you may be looking at an issue with the motor of the power window itself. If the motor is damaged or worn out, it will need to be replaced to fix the defect.

The problem can also be due to the misalignment of the window motor. If the motor is not aligned properly, it will cause the window to move unevenly and may even cause it to stop working altogether.

The most common symptom of motor failure in power windows is the window being stuck in one position and unable to move up or down. In some cases, the window may be able to move slightly, but not enough to fully open or close. Other symptoms can include strange noises coming from the motor area when attempting to operate the window or faint smoke with a burnt smell coming from the motor.

This involves a tedious amount of work with plenty of risks that may stem from the improper adjustment or installation of the motor and its wirings. The best way to go around this is by bringing your ride to an automotive technician for repairs. It should only cost you $220 to $320 for the parts replacement and added fees for the labor.

5. Jammed Window

A jammed window can happen if something gets caught in the window track or if the window is not properly aligned. In most cases, this can be fixed by simply realigning the window. Clearing the pathway of the window glass and its moving components may also solve it.

All these entail removing the interior panel of your door, which be such a hassle considering all the wirings and power window components attached to it. So, your best bet to finding the most effective way of realigning and cleaning your window glass is through an experienced car technician. The job will probably start at $75 to $100 for the labor depending on how serious the issue is. 

6. Wiring Issue

Wiring issues can prevent the flow of power in the electrical components of your Silverado. Obviously, the wiring harnesses of your auto need to be replaced if they are already worn. Cleaning is another quick fix for this if it's just dirt preventing its functions. The labor for this starts between $120 to $160 plus the cost of any parts that need replacing.

7. Broken Window Regulator

In some cases, the problem may be due to a broken window regulator. This is the part of the window assembly that actually moves the window up and down. If it is broken, the power window will not be able to move.

Most of the time, the development of soot prevents its operation so merely cleaning it can solve the issue. If the regulator itself is already damaged, you will likely need a replacement for it. New parts can drive you around $280 to $370 each plus labor of $90 to $120.

Conclusion

Power window problems are ignored most of the time because they are considered by many trivial. This is especially true if it's located in the part where the windows are not opened often like the rear passenger doors.

As shown here, however, these can be serious indications of more serious problems brewing in your Silverado's electrical system. Therefore, you should definitely address them right away to prevent the issue from ballooning into a more complex series of problems in the future.

C
CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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