Why is the power window not working on my Chevy Cruze?

The most common reasons are a blown fuse, a faulty window switch, or a failing window motor or regulator.

In more detail, the Cruze's power windows are controlled through an electrical circuit that powers the switches and the door-mounted motor. When a window doesn’t move, the fault could lie with a blown fuse, a bad switch, damaged wiring in the door harness, a jam in the window track, or a failing motor/regulator. Diagnosing typically starts with a fuse check and a switch test, then moves to wiring and the physical window mechanism.

Common causes

Here are the most frequent categories and specific culprits you may encounter.

Electrical issues

Electrical problems are usually the quickest to diagnose and fix because they involve power delivery and control signals.

• Blown fuse for the power windows (check the interior fuse panel and the fuse labeled for Power Windows).


• Faulty window switch (driver's master switch or passenger door switch) or worn contacts.


• Wiring or connectors in the door harness damaged or corroded, especially near the door hinge where the harness flexes.


• Relay or ground issues in the circuit; if the switch and fuse check out, testing continuity and ground can reveal the problem.

Electrical problems are typically easier to resolve quickly. If power isn’t reaching the switch or motor after checking fuses and switches, the issue may lie in the wiring or a failed actuator.

Mechanical issues

Mechanical problems involve the window motor, regulator, or the track itself.

• Bad window motor or regulator assembly that cannot raise or lower the glass even with power.


• Window regulator or track binding due to rust, debris, or misalignment.


• Obstruction in the window track or mis-mounted glass causing the window to stall.

Mechanical failures often require door-panel access and replacement or realignment of the regulator, motor, or track components, typically performed by a technician.

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

Follow these steps to determine the fault and decide whether you can fix it at home or need professional service.

• Check the interior fuse panel for the Power Windows fuse and replace if blown, using the same amperage rating.


• Test the window from both the driver's master switch and the door-specific switch to see if one works and the other doesn’t.


• Listen for motor activity when you press the switch; a hum suggests the motor is trying to move but is obstructed, while no sound points to a power or switch issue.


• If power seems present at the switch, test for voltage at the window motor connector with a multimeter and verify a solid ground.


• Inspect the door wiring harness for damaged, frayed, or corroded wires near the hinge where flexing occurs.


• Try another window on the same switch; if all windows fail, the problem could be a common relay or the Body Control Module (BCM) in newer Cruze models.

Electrical fixes (like replacing a blown fuse or a faulty switch) are often straightforward. If the motor has power but no movement, the issue is likely the motor or regulator and may require replacement.

When to seek professional help

If the fault persists after checking fuses, switches, and wiring, or if you're not comfortable removing the door panel, contact a qualified automotive technician. Working near airbags and door electronics requires proper safety precautions and expertise.

Summary

For a Chevy Cruze power window that won’t operate, start with the basics: check and replace a blown fuse, test both the driver's master switch and the door switch, and verify power at the motor. If power is present but the window still won’t move, the problem is likely mechanical (motor or regulator) or a binding track. Damaged wiring in the door harness is another common cause. Most quick fixes are fuse- or switch-related, while motor/regulator repairs typically require professional service.

Why did my power window suddenly stop working?

Mechanical Obstructions
While electrical problems are common, mechanical obstructions can also prevent your windows from functioning properly. Dirt, debris, or ice can accumulate in the window tracks, creating resistance that the motor might not be able to overcome.

How to reset Chevy Power Windows?

Resetting Power Windows in a Car
Put your ignition in the “Run” position and lower the window all the way down. Hold the window button in the down position for 2-5 seconds. Then, lift the window all the way up. Hold the button in the up position for 2-5 seconds.

How do I know if my power window fuse is blown?

You can tell if a power window fuse is blown by a visual inspection or by testing it with a tool like a multimeter or test light. A blown fuse will have a broken or melted metal strip inside and will not show a reading on both sides when tested for continuity. If multiple windows aren't working, a single blown fuse is a likely culprit.
 
This video demonstrates how to check a window motor fuse: 34sCody the Car GuyYouTube · Jul 19, 2013
Visual inspection

• Locate the fuse box: Find the fuse box, which is usually under the dashboard or hood. The owner's manual will show its exact location and a diagram of the fuses. 
• Identify the power window fuse: The diagram will label the fuse for the power windows. If multiple windows aren't working, this is a good starting point. 
• Look for a broken or melted filament: Remove the fuse and inspect it. A good fuse has a continuous metal strip running through it. A blown fuse will have a broken, melted, or discolored (brown or black) metal strip, often with a visible break inside the clear plastic casing. 

Testing with tools

• Using a multimeter:
  • Set the multimeter to the ohms (Ωcap omegaΩ) setting to check for continuity. 
  • Touch the probes to the metal contacts on opposite ends of the fuse. 
  • If the fuse is good, the multimeter will show a reading close to zero ohms, indicating continuity. If it shows no reading or "OL," the fuse is blown. 
• Using a test light:
  • Turn the ignition on and ensure the power window switch is activated. 
  • Connect the test light's clip to a good ground source. 
  • Touch the test light's probe to the input side of the fuse. If the light turns on, there is power to the fuse. 
  • Move the probe to the output side. If the light turns on, the fuse is good. If it doesn't light up, the fuse is blown. 

This video explains how to check fuses using a test light: 55sBarbour's Auto HelpYouTube · Jul 16, 2019
Important considerations

• Replace with the correct amperage: When replacing a blown fuse, always use a new fuse with the exact same amperage rating as the original. Using a higher amperage fuse can be a fire hazard and cause damage to the electrical system. 
• Address the root cause: If a new fuse immediately blows again, there is a deeper problem in the circuit, such as a shorted wire, faulty motor, or switch. It's best to consult a mechanic to diagnose and fix the underlying issue. 

How to tell if it's the window motor or switch?

To tell if a window switch or motor is bad, first check the switch's physical condition and listen for the motor when you press the switch. If you hear the motor running but the window doesn't move, the motor is likely bad. If you hear grinding or clicking noises, or if the window moves very slowly, it is often the motor or regulator. If only one window is affected and all other windows work, the issue is likely with that specific switch, motor, or regulator.
 
How to diagnose a bad switch 
This video demonstrates how to diagnose a bad window switch or motor by checking for power flow to the motor: 54sRockAuto Auto PartsYouTube · Apr 18, 2019

• Physical feel: A spongy, loose, or otherwise different feeling in the switch compared to the others can indicate a problem. 
• Master switch issues: If the other windows only work from the master switch, but not from their own door switches, the individual switches may be faulty. 
• Lack of power: If you press the switch and observe that your car's interior lights or dashboard indicators do not dim at all, it could mean the switch is not sending power to the motor. 
• The window moves: If you can confirm the window moves when using a different switch (like the master switch), the original window's switch is the likely culprit. 

How to diagnose a bad motor or regulator 
This video shows how to test if a window motor is working by bypassing the switch: 1mTop 5 Auto RepairsYouTube · Jun 6, 2023

• Motor noise: A grinding, clicking, or squealing noise coming from the door when you press the switch often indicates a problem with the motor or the window regulator, which is the mechanical part that lifts the glass. 
• Motor sound but no movement: If you hear the motor running (a humming sound) but the window doesn't move at all, the motor is likely bad. 
• Slow or jerky movement: A window that moves very slowly, jerks, or gets stuck halfway is often a sign of a struggling motor or a faulty regulator. 
• Burning smell: A burning smell coming from the door panel can indicate the motor is overheating and is on its way to failing. 

What to check first
You can watch this video to learn how to test a power window circuit: 58sJustin MillerYouTube · Mar 13, 2015

• Check the fuse: Before replacing any parts, it's a good idea to check the fuse for the power windows to make sure it hasn't blown. 
• Test all switches: Press the switch for the problem window and then test all other window switches. If other windows work correctly, the problem is isolated to that one window's switch, motor, or regulator.