Tailgate Window Issue: SOLVED

[Ser1clymb]

I recently had an issue with my rear window that resulted from a wire in the rear hatch bundle being broken. I repaired that and the window has been working great until this weirdness today. I have a 98 limited

I walked outside at lunch and saw that my rear window was rolled down. My car is parked outside (super small garage) and this morning everything was fine and window rolled up, but then later it was down and neither the key or the button inside would roll it up.

I was thankful to get some advice on the last problem and am hoping this one is just as easy. Thanks for any help

 

[96RedRunner]

I was thankful to get some advice on the last problem and am hoping this one is just as easy. Thanks for any help

I'd be checking in same place. Stranger things have happened in that bundle.

 

[SaulG]

Suspect harness has a bad wire or two

 

[Ser1clymb]

I'd be checking in same place. Stranger things have happened in that bundle.

I checked the bundle of wires again, and despite a few that have the insulation torn from bending to open/close they are still connected. But something else weird, the radio and blinker are now out. I'm starting to suspect a fuse or short somewhere in the engine bay, but haven't had a chance to look yet. But it still doesn't explain how it could roll down and then die.

 

[Ser1clymb]

Update:
I took another look at the bundle of wires in the tailgate and they are fine. I figured out that the radio had a blown fuse and the accessory fuse was also blown, so I replaced those and everything except the window is working.

I tried rolling up the window again with the button and the key and none worked. I think I could hear the motor or something "clicking" and trying to work. So, it's got to be getting power, but something else is screwing it up. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[96RedRunner]

Time to start digging. I had wires broken inside jacket the eyes couldn't see,
Meter confirmed. Fix the obvious move on from there.

 

[Ser1clymb]

Time to start digging. I had wires broken inside jacket the eyes couldn't see,
Meter confirmed. Fix the obvious move on from there.

I'm wondering if it could be related to the regulator or track? Or, I know there's a relay in the tailgate, is there a way to test?
It's hard to take it apart because my truck doesn't fit in the garage and it drops into the single digits at night.

 

[96RedRunner]

No way to test without being in truck. Start truck heat on high Remove inner panel close hatch dress warm about all I can say.

 

[TheDurk]

Update:
I took another look at the bundle of wires in the tailgate and they are fine. I figured out that the radio had a blown fuse and the accessory fuse was also blown, so I replaced those and everything except the window is working.

I tried rolling up the window again with the button and the key and none worked. I think I could hear the motor or something "clicking" and trying to work. So, it's got to be getting power, but something else is screwing it up. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

At this point, it sounds mechanical. Time to open up the patient--exploratory surgery.

 

[Ser1clymb]

Thanks for the input everyone, hopefully will get it figured out and fixed soon.

 

[96RedRunner]

Thanks for the input everyone, hopefully will get it figured out and fixed soon.

The hatch is not really complicated. With plastic panel off I try not to raise/lower
window with hatch open, acts as a guide somewhat. Good Luck!

 

[PittsburghNox]

I recently had an issue with my rear window that resulted from a wire in the rear hatch bundle being broken. I repaired that and the window has been working great until this weirdness today. I have a 98 limited

I walked outside at lunch and saw that my rear window was rolled down. My car is parked outside (super small garage) and this morning everything was fine and window rolled up, but then later it was down and neither the key or the button inside would roll it up.

I was thankful to get some advice on the last problem and am hoping this one is just as easy. Thanks for any help

Sounds like it could be a random short to be honest.

 

[pluton]

You always have the option of cutting power to the window(with it rolled all the way up, of course), not using it, and waiting 'till summer to fix it. I never use mine, YMMV.

 

[Ser1clymb]

You always have the option of cutting power to the window(with it rolled all the way up, of course), not using it, and waiting 'till summer to fix it. I never use mine, YMMV.

I would like to, but it's stuck down, went outside and found it down to start with. I can't get it to go up. Not sure how to hot wire it to go up.

So, I have no idea how exactly, other than possibly something related to the switch on the center console, but all of a sudden the switch worked and the window went up. I'm guessing a short or wiring issue somewhere, but for now it is sort of working, and it is at least closed before we get 10-15 inches of snow this weekend.

 

[Ser1clymb]

Update: Solved

I wanted to update this thread incase someone else has this issue. I solved the problem back in January, or at least got lucky and the problem was very simple.
- I cut the rubber around the wire harness going from tailgate to body and all wires were fine.
- I could hear the window motor trying to work and clicking when pushing the button.
- I checked rear wiper location, window lock, defrost, fuses, connectors, etc.

The issue was the button and the connector to the button. The connection was loose and somehow the button was only getting the DOWN signal and was constantly stuck in the down position so pressing UP only cut the signal to go down and wouldn't roll the window up. Secured the connection and greased the switch so it worked properly, and all good.

 

[natedogg11c]

which switch are you talking about? the switch in the console or the switch in the hatch?

 

[Ser1clymb]

which switch are you talking about? the switch in the console or the switch in the hatch?

The switch in the console.