What are the reasons for the inability to raise or lower the windows on all four doors of an old Passat B5?
2 Answers
The inability to raise or lower the windows on all four doors of an old Passat B5 may be due to a fuse failure. Below is an introduction related to the Volkswagen Passat: Reasons for car window malfunctions: Loose screws in the window regulator, which can cause the regulator to jam. This situation may arise from deformed or damaged window channels, loose fixing screws of the regulator, misaligned guide rails, or a damaged window regulator. Other possible causes include a detached ground wire from the combination switch, a disconnected main power wire, poor contact or damage to the relay, or the relay not being closed. Solutions for car window malfunctions: Perform an initialization procedure. The general method for initialization is to turn on the ignition switch, pull and hold the switch to raise the window until it reaches the top, then continue holding for more than 3 seconds. Release the switch and immediately press and hold it again to lower the window to the bottom, waiting for more than 3 seconds. Then, pull and hold the switch to raise the window to the top once more, continuing to hold for more than 3 seconds. Once initialization is complete, the window should regain its original functionality. If this general method does not work, refer to the owner's manual or consult a service station. If the correct method still fails to initialize the window, it is likely that there are issues with the left front door lock, body control module, door lock position switch, lock cylinder switch, or other components. In such cases, it is recommended to visit a service station for inspection and repair.
I've repaired many power window issues on older Passat B5 models. The common causes are a faulty master switch or door lock switch, especially when the main control switch wears out and loses control over all four doors. Another possibility is a blown fuse—check the fuse box in the engine compartment, typically the 10A or 15A positions, as overload currents can melt the fuse and cut power. The window motor itself might also be the problem; in older cars, motors are prone to jamming or burning out—remove the door panel to check for any movement. Wiring-wise, aged vehicles often suffer from short circuits or broken wires due to corrosion, especially if rainwater has seeped in and damaged the contacts. If the window glass gets stuck due to a jammed rail or regulator, it’s risky and can lead to water leakage during rain. Such faults should be addressed promptly—take the car to a reliable repair shop for a full diagnosis to prevent further complications.
