What are the reasons for the inability to raise and lower the main door window of an older model Cruze?
4 Answers
If the rear door window of a Cruze cannot be raised or lowered, it may be due to a burnt-out lift motor or a faulty lift switch. Most new cars on the market today use electric window regulators to control window movement. Burnt-out lift motor: Replace the lift motor or the entire regulator assembly. If the lift switch is faulty: Check the wiring. The left rear door lift switch has a total of five wires: two for the lift motor (one positive and one negative), two from the main switch to the left rear door switch (one positive and one negative), and one power wire. If the wiring is intact, simply replace the lift switch.
I've seen many cases of non-functioning power windows on older Cruze models. Most often, it's due to poor contact in the switch buttons - after prolonged use, they oxidize and turn black, preventing signal transmission. The window motors are also prone to burning out, especially in older cars where the motor rusts or gear wear prevents window movement. Blown fuses are another common issue - just locate the window control fuse in the dashboard-side fuse box and replace it. Wiring harness aging and breakage also occur, with repeated door opening/closing causing wire insulation damage and short circuits at the hinge area. From my experience: first check if fuses are intact, then disassemble and clean the switch contacts or replace the switch. If the motor runs but the window doesn't move, the guide rails might be stuck - try some lubricant spray. Avoid directly spraying water on electrical components during car washes to minimize corrosion. If all else fails, have a professional mechanic conduct a thorough inspection to prevent recurring issues.
My old Cruze has been running for over eight years, and the power windows have jammed several times. The most annoying part is when the window suddenly won't open or close. A common issue is a faulty switch, where the button's aging contacts stop conducting. Blown fuses are also frequent—just pull out the fuse box under the steering wheel's lower left side as marked in the manual and replace it, which costs only a few bucks. If the motor fails, you might hear a buzzing sound but the glass won't budge, or there might be no response at all. Loose or damaged wiring harness connectors inside the door can cause an open circuit; removing the door panel and reseating them firmly can fix it. Once during heavy rain, my window stopped working, and in a panic, I disassembled the switch module to clean out dust—that did the trick. For prevention, regularly spray anti-rust oil into the window gaps to avoid dust buildup and jamming. If you're not handy with repairs, just buy a new switch assembly online—used ones are cheap and often come with free shipping. If you're a bit more hands-on, you can save a ton of money.
The Cruze window lift is driven by the main switch signal to power the motor. If the main door stops working, first listen for any sound from the motor when pressing the switch button. No sound indicates a power supply issue—check if fuse F18 is blown and replace it. If there is sound but the window doesn't move, the motor may be stuck or the gears may have slipped; lubricating the tracks can help. Oxidized switch contacts increase internal resistance, affecting signal transmission. Wiring harness issues, such as wear at the door hinge, can cause open or short circuits, impacting the system. Use a multimeter to test circuit continuity and locate the problem. I often find that dust buildup on the rails is the main cause; applying WD-40 to remove rust can resolve sticking issues. A faulty main control module requires OBD scanning to diagnose and address error codes. Don’t forget that low battery voltage can also cause insufficient motor power.
