Power window Question

[bubinga]

Replaced the Passenger side Motor and Regulator Assembly on My olds Alero,
It's working OK and all,
But I was just wondering why The switch on the passenger door has to be plugged in, in order for the window to be operated from the master switch?
It is working fine and all from Both sides, just trying to understand what the
passenger switch has to do with the master switch.
The switch is unhooked from the drivers side rear, too, till I can clean and lube the regulator and tracks, And it does not operate from the master switch, till I plug it (The Left Rear switch) in.
Tried to google, but couldn't get an answer.

 

[ryan20021982]

That's just how they work, they run through the switches, just like if you unplug the master none of the other switches will work. I just had to replace my master driver door switch on my truck, they all went dead at once.

 

[bubinga]

OK, Thanks.
So it's normal then.

 

[pilotmotor]

Because If one person tries to open the window while another is closing it you would have a direct short and blow a fuse so they have the motor power going through a set of contacts that are closed when the switch is in the netrual position (interlocked). In other words , for example , the power going to the window motor on the passenger front door goes through both switches (master and front pass) , so if you remove either one the circuit is open and the motor wont run. All windows on the car work that way. Keep this in mind when troubleshooting, either switch could be at fault. Its very much like a light controlled from 2 switches in your house (3 way switch)at the top and bottom of a staircase for example. Both switches cary the current regardless what position there in
Newer cars with control modules for the windows dont need that type of interlocking as its can be done in the network software.

 

[bubinga]

Well explained Pilotmotor.
Thank You.

 

[bonneyman]

I learned the hard way (motor and switches in and out half a dozen times!) before I figured out the above trick.

I guess I'm just a slow learner. Did I tell you all I HATE power windows?

 

[Wamsutta]

What year is your Alero in case I get bored enough to look at a wiring diagram?

 

[bubinga]

What year is your Alero in case I get bored enough to look at a wiring diagram?

2002 Thanks