Any advice on how to troubleshoot my passenger side window. It won't go down (which is much better than it quitting in the rain in the down position). I understand that the switch applies power to the up/down side dependent on how the switch is positioned and I can hear it trying to move (I think) but it may be just wishful thinking.

 Drivers side works fine. 

 Thoughts?

 Jim

As a test of the switch, change the plugs on the switches from one to the other. If the driver's side works with the pass. side switch, then you know the switch is good. If the pass. side now works, with the d.s. switch, then you know the switch is bad.! If the switch-test doesn't get it to work, then it could be a loose/corroded connection, a bad motor, or stuck regulator.
If you actually hear the motor trying to move the winder, try "bumping"(beating the crap out of it sounds SO mean! ) the door at the bottom, where the motor is. Sometimes they just needs a little pursuasion.

Also, try holding the switch in the "down" position, and closing the door(slam). If either of these "authorized" trouble-shooting methods work, then it's likely that the motor has spun it's last glass, and it will be time to replace it before long, but it might survive until you can get it fixed.

Hey JimG,

I also have a 79 and I have exactly the same problem with passenger side power window.  In May, nothing was working and the window was down (no problem as I keep it in my garage all the time) but suddenly in June, the window went up when I tried it just to see if it works.

I drove the car for a hundred miles today and I pulled up the passenger side window in a couple of occasions to stop the wind on the highway.  Gee, I was glad it was working.  No need to say that I will follow this thread very seriously from now on.

Roger

My passenger side window goes down perfectly every time.
Going up, not so perfect.
I know I have a bad switch, because if I really press hard on the switch, the window goes up flawlessly.
Some day I am going to get caught with my window down and the rain coming in.
I guess I'll look for a new switch at Carlisle.

I had a bad switch on the white 79. Figured I'd take it apart since I'd probably be ordering a new one anyway. Couldn't believe how low tech they are. Ended up lightly sanding the contacts and it works good as new. Just bend up the 4 tabs holding it together. Don't be bummed if 1 or more tabs break off(I broke 2). There's plenty of material up the sides to crimp over to hold it back together. Make sure you put it back together the same way it was or it will work opposite of normal. Ask me how I know, didn't want to open it up again. Clamp it in a vice against the recess and crimp it back together. Worth a try.   Mike

Guess what...tried the "troubleshooting" methods recommended above...ie. slammed the s*** out of the door and down it went.

So what does this mean now?

You could have a bad/corroded connection to the motor inside the door, or the motor is failing. The armature on the window motor may have enough wear where the brushes ride to have a bad spot. Gently(yeah, right!) closing the door caused the motor to move enough to make good contact. I've done this on many 'lectric windows, and 9 out of 10 times, it works. For how long, who knows?
I would expect it to happen again, eventually, and plan on replacing the motor.
Check the connections inside the door first, to be sure there's no corrosion or loose terminals, as gently(?!) closing the door could also have wiggled the wires enough to make contact, if that were the problem.