If you are a Subaru owner and your driver side window suddenly stops working, it can be frustrating and inconvenient.
Windows are essential for driving safely and regulating temperature within the car. However, there can be various reasons why your driver side window may stop functioning.
In this article, we will discuss some common causes of a non-working Subaru driver side window and how to troubleshoot them.
Causes of Non-Functioning Driver Side Window
Faulty Power Window Switch
The power window switch is the most common culprit when it comes to non-functioning windows. Over time, the switch can wear out or become damaged, causing it to fail.
The most noticeable symptom of a faulty power window switch is when the window doesn’t respond to any commands from the switch. This can be frustrating as you try to roll down or up your driver side window and nothing happens.
Another sign can be if the other windows in the car are working fine but only the driver side window is not responding.
There can be a few reasons why the power window switch in your Subaru may become faulty. One common cause is wear and tear from regular use, especially if you frequently roll down and up your window.
Exposure to moisture or dirt buildup can also affect the switch’s functionality over time. Additionally, a blown fuse or electrical issue can lead to a malfunctioning power window switch.
If you suspect that a faulty power window switch is the reason behind your non-working Subaru driver side window, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take.
First, check all the other windows in your car to see if they are working properly. If they are, then it’s likely an issue with the switch itself.
You can try cleaning the switch and its contacts with electronic cleaner or replacing it entirely if needed. It’s also important to check for any blown fuses or electrical issues that may be affecting the switch’s functionality.
Blown Fuse
A blown fuse in the power window circuit can also result in a non-working driver side window. Fuses are designed to protect the electrical components of your car, and if one blows, it needs to be replaced.
One of the most obvious symptoms of a blown fuse in your Subaru’s power window circuit is that the window will not roll down or up at all.
However, this can also be caused by a faulty switch or other electrical issues, so it’s important to check all potential causes before assuming it’s a blown fuse.
Another sign of a blown fuse is if other electrical components in your car are not working properly. If you notice multiple non-functioning features, it’s likely an issue with the fuse. You may also see a warning light on your dashboard indicating a blown fuse.
There are a few reasons why a fuse may blow in your Subaru’s power window circuit. One common reason is using the window too frequently or with too much force, which can cause the fuse to overheat and blow out.
Another potential cause is water damage from rain or spills, as moisture can corrode the fuse and cause it to malfunction. Additionally, if there is a short circuit in the wiring of the power window system, this can also lead to a blown fuse.
If you suspect a blown fuse is the cause of your Subaru’s driver side window not working, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.
First, check all other windows in the car to see if they are also not functioning properly. If so, it’s likely an issue with the main power circuit or switch.
Next, locate the fuse box in your car (often found under the dashboard or hood) and check for any visibly blown fuses. If you find one, replace it with a new fuse of the same size and amperage rating.
Window Regulator Failure
The window regulator is responsible for moving the glass up and down when you press the power window button. If this component fails, your driver side window will not work.
A common symptom of a failed window regulator is the window being stuck or not moving at all when you press the power button.
You may also hear unusual noises coming from the door panel when attempting to use the window, such as grinding or clicking sounds. In some cases, the window may move slowly or erratically before completely failing.
There are a few potential causes for a window regulator to fail in your Subaru. One possibility is general wear and tear over time, as this component is used frequently.
Another possible cause could be damage to the regulator due to debris or objects getting caught in the window track. Additionally, extreme temperatures or water damage can also contribute to a failed window regulator.
If you suspect that your window regulator has failed, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.
First, check for any visible damage to the regulator or track. If everything looks intact, try resetting the window by holding down the power button for several seconds. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the entire regulator assembly.
Electrical Issues
Another possible reason for your driver side window not working could be an electrical issue. The window button or switch may be faulty, preventing the power from reaching the regulator.
One symptom of an electrical issue with the window is if none of the window controls work, not just the driver side.
This could indicate a larger issue with the power supply or wiring in your vehicle. Another potential sign is if the window operates intermittently or only in certain positions, as this may point to a problem with the switch or wiring.
Electrical issues with the window can be caused by a variety of factors. Over time, buttons and switches can wear out or become damaged due to frequent use.
Additionally, wiring connections may become loose or corroded, causing a disruption in the power supply. In some cases, an electrical issue may also be linked to a larger problem with the vehicle’s electrical system.
To troubleshoot an electrical issue with your driver side window, start by checking the fuse for the power windows. If it appears to be blown, replace it and see if that solves the problem.
If not, you can use a multimeter to test the switch and wiring connections for continuity. If there is no continuity, this indicates a break in the circuit and you may need to repair or replace the affected components.
If all of these steps fail to resolve the issue, it’s recommended to seek professional help from a mechanic or auto electrician. They will have specialized equipment and knowledge to diagnose and fix more complex electrical problems
Window Motor Failure
The window motor is responsible for powering the movement of your driver side window. If the motor fails, the window will not open or close.
One of the most obvious signs of a failing window motor is when you press the button to open or close the window and nothing happens. You may also hear a clicking sound when trying to use the window switch, indicating that the motor is struggling to function properly.
In some cases, the window may only move slightly or get stuck halfway, which can be a clear sign of an issue with the motor.
Window motor failure can occur due to various reasons, including wear and tear over time, lack of proper maintenance, or electrical issues.
The motor may also fail if it becomes overloaded with excessive use or if the window encounters resistance while moving up or down. Additionally, dirt and debris can build up in the motor, causing it to malfunction.
If you suspect a window motor failure, the first step is to check the fuse for the power windows. If the fuse is blown, replace it and try using the window again.
If this does not solve the issue, check the wiring and connections for any damage or corrosion. You can also try tapping on the motor with a hammer while pressing the window button to see if it will start working again temporarily.
Window Track Obstruction
Debris or dirt can get stuck in the window tracks, preventing the window from moving. This issue is more common in older vehicles with manual windows.
The most obvious sign of a window track obstruction is the window getting stuck or not moving smoothly. You may also hear grinding noises when trying to use the window switch, indicating that there is an obstruction in the tracks.
Additionally, if you notice any debris or dirt buildup in the tracks, it could be causing the issue.
One of the main reasons for window track obstruction is lack of proper maintenance. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in the tracks and prevent the window from moving freely.
Another common reason is wear and tear on the window regulator, which can cause the window to become misaligned and get stuck in the tracks. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can also lead to debris buildup and obstruction in the tracks.
To troubleshoot window track obstruction, start by inspecting the tracks for any debris, dirt or damage. If necessary, use a vacuum or compressed air to clean out the tracks.
You can also try using lubricant spray on the tracks to help the window move more smoothly. If these steps do not solve the issue, you may need to take apart the door panel and check for any damaged parts that may be causing the obstruction.
In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the window regulator if it is worn out or misaligned.
People Also Asked
How do I reset my Subaru driver side window?
If your Subaru driver side window is not working properly, you may need to reset it. To do this, start by rolling down the window completely and holding down the switch for an additional five seconds.
Then, roll the window back up and hold the switch in the up position for another five seconds. This should reset the window’s automatic function and allow it to work properly again.
If the issue persists, it may be a sign of a larger problem with the window mechanism or regulator and should be inspected by a professional mechanic.