Why do my power windows not work? 2005 Buick Century

OK. I've had window problems all through the 5 years of owning this car. Back two haven't worked in 3 years, front two only by the drivers switch in all that time. Recently the drivers window only worked intermittently then failed awkwardly then closed never to open again. The passenger window worked fine until the drivers side failed. No windows work at all.

Occasionally I get buzzing, but not all the time. I've gotten a new switch but no changes, nothing works. I've checked the terminals with a voltage tester and each one lights up, except one when the window l

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. There are several things that can cause this. It can be caused by a bad ground connection or an issue with the circuit breaker that supplies power to this circuit. You would need to used a voltage meter to check the supply voltage. If there is voltage to the switch then the ground need to be checked. If the ground is also fine then you may have a wiring issue or a bad motor at each window which can occur over time. If you want to have your power windows fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [diagnose and repair your windows] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/window-is-not-going-up-or-down-inspection

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The most common reasons a Buick Century window won`t go up or down are window`s electrical system such as a fuse or relay, a broken window motor, or a broken window regulator. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
Window Switch is Bad. Switches can be a finicky thing and one possible reason for a power window to fail is the switch. This could be due to several things, including a wiring issue or physical damage, but it could also just be the wear and tear those buttons receive.
Testing at night with your engine off, but ignition and headlights on will be your best option. Depress the power window switch and if you see a slight dimming of your headlights or your dome or dash lights, you are getting an electrical connection to the switch and it is sending that power to the motor.
Check the fuse

With some arrangements a single fuse in the main supply line is used to protect the complete window system so a failure here affects all the windows. Other cars have individual fuses for each window motor so failure will only affect the one window.

Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
A broken power window can be an expensive repair, but if you have basic auto repair tools and access to an online service manual you can fix it yourself and save big bucks.
Remove the fuse from its holder. In some cases you may need a small screwdriver to unscrew the fuse holder cap. Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
Power windows are controlled by switches and wires and are powered by battery or electricity. Power windows do not function if the ignition of the car is not turned on. Unlike the traditional windows, power windows do not have manual handles. They do not work manually.
Remove the fuse from its holder. In some cases you may need a small screwdriver to unscrew the fuse holder cap. Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Why do my power windows not work? 2005 Buick Century
ANSWER : Hello. There are several things that can cause this. It can be caused by a bad ground connection or an issue with the circuit breaker that supplies power to this circuit. You would need to used a voltage meter to check the supply voltage. If there is voltage to the switch then the ground need to be checked. If the ground is also fine then you may have a wiring issue or a bad motor at each window which can occur over time. If you want to have your power windows fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [diagnose and repair your windows] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/window-is-not-going-up-or-down-inspection

My RPassenger window did not work. I had it fixed. shortly after neither of my rear windows will work from the or the front and
ANSWER : Hi there. Usually when both window switches do not work it is due to an electrical fault with the primary control module. There is a center module that relays all electricity from switches to individual window drive motors to open and close. When more than one switch doesn’t appear to be working, it typically due to an issue with that center window control module or electrical relay powering the system. It would be a good idea to have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a window not working inspection to determine precisely what is causing this issue before attempting any further repairs.

drivers side power window will not go down on 1999 buick Century
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The window motor may have failed, and replacing it is a good idea. If you have a voltmeter, you can test that the motor is receiving power when the switch is pressed to go down. The motor will reverse polarity to switch the motor from going up to down, and it should read 12 volts while going down, and -12 volts when going up. If the voltage readings are correct, and the motor is not responding, then the motor is the problem. If the readings at the motor or incorrect, there is a circuit problem likely pertaining to the wiring or the switch. For more help with testing, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

Used a quick fix for my broken power window: hold switch up and slam door. What might need replacing if it worked for me?
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases, the quick fix that you learned online will lead you to knowing what component was damaged. In this case, if you press a window switch and slam the door, it will shake or rattle the connections to the switch and "magically" roll the window up. As such, the problem is most likely either the individual motor on that window or the switch relay to that window. It’s probably a better idea to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete a window does not work inspection, so they can inspect your car and determine exactly what needs to be repaired.

Power window on driver side goes down when car placed in reverse or drive without touching power window buttons.
ANSWER : Hi there. The only thing that would cause this is an electrical short, caused perhaps by an exposed wire in the power window module, which is located in the center console of your Ford Explorer. The best advice we could offer would be to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete an electrical problems inspection to try and isolate the source of this issue.

Just replaced head gasket, changed crack sensor new plugs. The check engine light is on, but dim, the only other light that the dash is a normal battery indicator. The fuel pump is not running when switch is turned on, the power windows don’t work, it turns over but not firing. It’s like only one part of the system is working. Also the heater fans work even if the switch is off.
ANSWER : I would first look at the diagnostic trouble codes. Those codes are available because the check engine light is on. If the fuel pump is not running (momentarily) at key on, that fault alone will prevent the car from starting as there will be no fuel pressure. Pump output and pressure can be directly tested and you can also check for electrical power to the pump. To find out why the engine will not run, the recommended diagnostic is a no start diagnostic. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Driver’s side windows do not properly function
ANSWER : If removing the driver door window switch (or the driver-side console switch), and applying direct power to the harness yields successful operation of the window, the problem is the switch that was removed for the test. This can be confirmed utilizing a voltmeter/multimeter, and following the "power path" from the fuse, to the switch, to the output side of the switch (harness plug side of the switch), etc. A YourMechanic technician can assist with the diagnosis of your window issue and help you fix it accordingly.

My dash board don’t work my front light work when I change my light into high beam and my back window won’t go down
ANSWER : As unfortunate as it is, your vehicle would be considered flood damaged. Diagnosing electrical problems in a flood damaged vehicle is nearly impossible. This would take many hours or even days to determine which wiring harnesses and circuits have been affected. Then nearly all of the wiring under the dash would likely require replacement as well as many sensors and switches. On a BMW vehicle, the amount of wires and switches are likely more than that of a lower end vehicle. Due to the inefficiency in cost, you would likely be able to purchase another BMW like yours for less than what it would cost to fix your car. Many insurance companies would consider this type of damage to total out the vehicle unfortuantely.