Vehicle Errors (Aug 2009): The electric windows do not operate, and the interior lights remain illuminated causing the battery to drain. The door-ajar light on the dash remains lighted even though all doors are shut. The ABS light on the dash remains illuminated even though the breaks have recently been changed, and the electric locks, while seeming to function normally, have, on occasion, self-engaged. The sporadic locking occurs seldom, and I have not seen this malfunction for some time now. One last symptom is the washer option of the windshield-wipers has frequently been stubborn – this also has not been a problem I've seen lately.Electric Windows – Symptoms.
- Driver's side, electric window will not move up or down unless the window-switch is rocked vigorously back and forth (I have been able to lower and raise the window fully by rocking the switch).
- Power to the electric window on the passenger's side shows low voltage; apparently there is insufficient electrical power to engage the motor. Both motors, when tested, perform the same on the driver's side; two additional motors were also tested on the Driver's side window and have displayed the same behavior. None of the motors work on the passenger's side. I have determined the problem is not the window motors.
- Apparently, the 1995 Ford Windstars have a limit-switch and regulator inside the door panel that sometimes causes the windows not to roll down. This may be one of the problems on the passenger's side, but we have eliminated this as the problem on the driver's side.
Interior lights stay on - Symptoms.
- Cleaning the door ajar switches is a good place to start. There is obviously a switch located in both the driver and the passenger doors. Open the door and clean the latch mechanism -- a screw driver can be used to lock the latch and use an air compressor to blow air through for cleaning, and then use WD40 or liquid wrench spraying inside the latch. Release the latch and close and open the door a few times. For the side sliding door -- open the latch, repeating the same procedure as above. The back door -- there are two ajar switches in the rear which require the same maintenance.
- Broken wires may be causing a short. There is a cluster of wires that go from the cabin, through a rubber grommet, to the door. This would be more obvious if by opening the door, the locks go crazy. This could mean that the wires in that grommet are bad and need to be replaced (I have not seen this happen in my van). You can cut the rubber grommet from the bottom (that way water is less likely to enter from the top). Look for any burnt or broken wires and to the needed Repair.
- NOTE: The GEM module is responsible for the following: Door Ajar & Low Washer Fluid warning light, Remote Keyless Entry & Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Courtesy Lamps, all the Door Ajar Switches, including the Lift Gate, Interval Wipers/Washer, Heated Mirrors & Rear Window Defrost, Rear Air Suspension, Warning Chimes and also ties in a bit with the ABS & Air Bag System, as well as other minor components. The G.E.M. is located under the dash behind the fuse panel. On my electrical diagram from the Ford dealership, the part # is 14B205.
This is a process of elimination. I believe that it is the GEM module, but checking the other possibilities is a good process.
Good luck.
Paul
Today I swapped out all of the electric window switches. I was nicely surprised that this actually fixed the issue with the driver and passenger windows being inoperable. NOTE: I did not mention this procedure in my earlier note. Switches can go wrong.The next step is to clean and lubricate all of the door latches. This is to address the problem of the interior lights staying on and killing the battery (procedure mentioned above).
I still see the possibility of a bad GEM module, but we'll see what happens with the interior lights, and the ABS indicator that's illuminated on the dash. Will report later.
regards,
Paul
