2005 Power Windows Switch Problems

[DanScarps]

HI everyone, I'm very new here, and I hope someone can help me with this problem.

I have two friends with a 2005 Mazda3 GT, one manual, one auto. It seems that the power window controls are problematic. The driver side window controller does not work well for all four windows, especially the rear windows. You have to press then hold the window button, and eventually it will work after 5 or 6 presses. Same thing for the passenger front window controller. But oddly, the rear window controllers control their windows just fine. The rear windows will not raise at all from the driver's controller, but will go down. And once the switch actually works, the windows go right up like there is nothing wrong.

I've tried listening to the motors when it isn't working, and I do not think this is a stripped helical gear in the power window motor.

Is this a known issue? I tried searching the forums, and I couldn't find anything relevant, except for the power window reset (this is not the issue imho). I'm thinking this is a switch or wiring related problem.

Any help would be appreciated. I'm hoping this is a known issue and someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance,

DanScarps

[gabbygenier]

as far as i know, its not a common issue but it has happened.

from what i understand only the drivers one is the issue. if the individual ones are working fine but not the drivers one then i would point the finger at the driver switches. its fairly simple to change. as far as i remember the unit pops up from the top and the switches are held there by a few screws. i would say try and find someone that has working switches to see if that will solve the issue before buying some new ones. it could be the wiring and such but i doubt it.

[DanScarps]

Yeah that was my thinking, but that`s how I discovered my friend`s car had the same problem. I wanted to pop out his switches and try them on his car, but he has the same problem o_0

Can I get a pinout of the controller harness anywhere? I thought to jump the connections with a piece of wire, but I don't want to send power the wrong way and blow a diode.

[gabbygenier]

check in here. must be in here somewhere

http://www.thaimazda3.com/svmanual/

[krimsalt]

A connector in the harness from the driver's door might be loose or burnt.

[Wes08M3]

My mom's 07 3 has this exact same problem.

The passengers side rear window would only work sometimes and would have the exact same symptoms you described. That only lasted for a few months however, then it just stopped working completely. But if you use the rear window switch it works perfectly every time. Just a week ago the drivers side rear window completely stopped working as well, but again, it works just fine if you use the switch in the rear.

So now, neither of the rear windows can be controlled by the drivers switch. I was considering a wiring problem as well but it seems odd for such a new car (the passengers side rear switch hasn't worked for over a year now). And I checked all the pins on the connector and they seemed fine. I was going to try and swap the switches with my 2011 to see if it would fix it but I didn't have time. Now I'm wishing I did!

I didn't want to go out and buy a new switch without knowing for sure as I imagine they're expensive and not returnable as its an electrical component.

[Booter22]

sounds to me like its the master control on the drivers side that is on its way out, if the back windows work with the rear switches but not from the master control. unless for a strange reason the wires are not connected id think replace the master control or find a friend with one that works and switch them around.

[DanScarps]

My mom's 07 3 has this exact same problem.

The passengers side rear window would only work sometimes and would have the exact same symptoms you described. That only lasted for a few months however, then it just stopped working completely. But if you use the rear window switch it works perfectly every time. Just a week ago the drivers side rear window completely stopped working as well, but again, it works just fine if you use the switch in the rear.

So now, neither of the rear windows can be controlled by the drivers switch. I was considering a wiring problem as well but it seems odd for such a new car (the passengers side rear switch hasn't worked for over a year now). And I checked all the pins on the connector and they seemed fine. I was going to try and swap the switches with my 2011 to see if it would fix it but I didn't have time. Now I'm wishing I did!

I didn't want to go out and buy a new switch without knowing for sure as I imagine they're expensive and not returnable as its an electrical component.

Okay well at least I'm not in the alone in the dark. Just replacing the switch would be foolish, so good call on not doing that right away. There has to be a technique to diagnosing this...

[DanScarps]

sounds to me like its the master control on the drivers side that is on its way out, if the back windows work with the rear switches but not from the master control. unless for a strange reason the wires are not connected id think replace the master control or find a friend with one that works and switch them around.

I agree, it sounds like it's the problem. I just need to know for sure before recommending $350 switches from the dealer.

[Booter22]

I agree, it sounds like it's the problem. I just need to know for sure before recommending $350 switches from the dealer.

well that would be where you would start if there does not look to be any damage to the electrical connectors.

[n00bMeiSter]

This is the same thing that happened to Tokic_o and a couple other members. I have an extra drivers side switch for testing. If you'd like to come to Markham we can hook it up and see if it fixes the problem.

[Wes08M3]

I agree, it sounds like it's the problem. I just need to know for sure before recommending $350 switches from the dealer.

$350?!?!? I thought it would be expensive but I didn't think it would be that much.

I was considering just trying one out from a scrap yard. I'm sure it would be cheaper and Cookstown auto let's you return the parts if they don't work, I'm sure others do as well.

[DanScarps]

$350?!?!? I thought it would be expensive but I didn't think it would be that much.

I was considering just trying one out from a scrap yard. I'm sure it would be cheaper and Cookstown auto let's you return the parts if they don't work, I'm sure others do as well.

I'd be careful with that. Most parts places don't let anyone return electronics, even dealerships and shops.

[Wes08M3]

Yeah it's just a scrap yard so I figured they might. They've let me return things before but I'd have to check first before I bought it.

[n00bMeiSter]

*AHEM*


This is the same thing that happened to Tokic_o and a couple other members. I have an extra drivers side switch for testing. If you'd like to come to Markham we can hook it up and see if it fixes the problem.

[Wes08M3]

*AHEM*

I would love to test it out with your extra switch but it's a bit of a long drive lol.

Maybe DanScarps can try it out.

[n00bMeiSter]

I would love to test it out with your extra switch but it's a bit of a long drive lol.

Maybe DanScarps can try it out.

Oh lmao, I didn't see the Thunderbay part. Well if you come down for any reason you can try it out.
And anyone else in here that is having problems is welcome to PM me to set up a time to try it out.

[DanScarps]

Oh lmao, I didn't see the Thunderbay part. Well if you come down for any reason you can try it out.
And anyone else in here that is having problems is welcome to PM me to set up a time to try it out.


Thanks n00bmeister. I'll see if I can arrange something with one of my friends to come to Markham. A gracious offer.

[Default User]

This happens on my 05 also.

Oddly enough only on hot days when I want to roll down the windows the most.

[n00bMeiSter]

This happens on my 05 also.

Oddly enough only on hot days when I want to roll down the windows the most.

Could be one of the pieces of plastic is getting stuck from the heat. I can pop it open and take a look if you'd like.

[desperado]

Hello all,
I have the same issue where my 2007 Mazda 3 5 Dr master powerwindow switch slowly stopped controlling the other windows one by one over the period of one year. (They are all working fine individually)
Sometimes it does work to roll the other windows down but never back up...PITB for when I am on the 401 lol. (I don't have an issue with the driver's side window)

I'm pretty much a noob at this but and want to fix this myself and so far everything I've read points to replacing the master switch.
I have tried hunting for YouTube videos on how to replace...even how to remove the door panel....but nada so far.

Does anyone have a 'step by step for idiots' with pics or video that I can try to follow? Or can point me to one?
I would want to diagnose the switch before buying a new one.
Would be much appreciated.
Thanks

D.

[gabbygenier]

you didnt search hard enough on google :P its pretty easy actually

switch removal. you can find how to take off anything here since its the mazda shop manual
http://www.thaimazda3.com/svmanual/esicont/en/srvc/html/B3E091266330W01.html

how to take the door panel off. well more then that but you can skip the steps on how to remove everything inside the door.
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=302422

[desperado]

:chuckle Thanks Gabby...yes clearly I didn't refine my search parameters properly.
Thank you so much...looks like I don't need to mess with the door panel after all which is real fine by me.
MUCH appreciated...have a good day...I'll give this a shot tonight.
D.

[desperado]

you didnt search hard enough on google :P its pretty easy actually

switch removal. you can find how to take off anything here since its the mazda shop manual
http://www.thaimazda3.com/svmanual/esicont/en/srvc/html/B3E091266330W01.html

how to take the door panel off. well more then that but you can skip the steps on how to remove everything inside the door.
http://www.mazda3forums.com/showthread.php?t=302422

I just wanted to loop back here to say I got it done...using the manual excerpt which Gabby provided.
Windows are now working great from the driver's side....and it was indeed very easy to make the switch.

Thanks very much gabbygenier - also appreciate having the entire shop manual at my disposal for other things down the road.
Thanks again...

D