Why does the left front door window of the Ford Escort keep failing to roll up and down?
3 Answers
Generally, the failure to roll up and down is caused by issues such as a faulty window regulator motor, damaged window switch, or loose wiring connections. You can try resetting the one-touch window function. If the problem persists, it is necessary to visit a 4S shop for inspection and repair. Below is an introduction to repairing car glass cracks: 1. Repair with professional tools: Short cracks in car glass are usually repaired using specialized repair tools and repair fluid. The repair fluid is applied into the crack using the tool, and once solidified, it eliminates the gap, achieving the purpose of repair. It is important to note that if cracks appear in the glass, they should be repaired as soon as possible if repairable, or replaced promptly if necessary. This is because, during driving, the windshield is subjected to wind resistance and continuous vibrations. Over time, small cracks can gradually extend, increasing in length and size. At this point, what could have been repaired may now require replacement. 2. Long cracks suggest replacing the glass: Long cracks in car glass are difficult to repair, as the effectiveness of repairing large cracks is poor, leaving noticeable marks. Moreover, the strength of the repaired windshield cannot be guaranteed, and there is a risk of re-cracking, posing potential safety hazards. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the glass. Additionally, the cost of replacing glass is relatively high, so it is advisable to use insurance if available.
I encountered the same issue last year with the power windows working intermittently, which was particularly annoying. The main culprit is usually the window regulator system inside the door. Common problems include the regulator cable getting stuck or derailed, especially in older cars. Worn-out motor carbon brushes causing poor contact can also lead to failure—if you see black dust all over your hands when removing the door panel, that's the evidence. Repeated bending of the wiring harness near the door gap may cause wire breakage too; my neighbor’s car was diagnosed with a short circuit due to damaged wiring at the repair shop. Here’s a quick fix: when the window fails, try gently lifting the glass while pressing the switch—if it moves, there’s likely debris stuck in the track. If you end up removing the door panel for repairs, make sure the mechanic reseals the waterproof membrane properly, or else water accumulation during rain will be even more troublesome.
I'm an auto mechanic, and this kind of one-sided failure is usually related to components in the left front door. First, check if there's a buzzing sound from the motor when you press the switch. If there's sound but the window doesn't move, it's likely that the plastic slider in the lift mechanism is cracked and stuck. This is a common issue with Ford vehicles—you can buy a new lift assembly online for less than 200 bucks. If there's no sound at all, gently tap the motor area at the bottom of the door panel with a screwdriver handle. If it starts working after a few taps, it means the motor brushes are almost worn out. Oxidized contacts in the window switch can also be a hidden culprit—take it apart and spray some WD-40 for a quick fix. The worst-case scenario is water damage to the door wiring harness connector, causing rust on the pins, which would require replacing the entire harness connector.
