Does any one know why the power window switch on my Olds only operates when the car door is open?

Question

It is an l988 Olds Cutlass and the problem is only at the driver's side door.

Answer 1

It's not the switch that only works then.  It's the window.  The wiring going into the door, or the ground connection, is the real problem.

Answer 2

it could be because the motor for the window is malfunctioning.

Answer 3

Start tracing wires if the window opperates when the door is open it would most likely not be the motor.

Check the condition of the wires leading into the door near the hinges

Answer 4

It sounds like a broken wire. the stress point would be in the hinge area of the door wear the wires go from the body to the door.

Answer 5

I think you have an intermittent short in your wiring, when the door opens, contact is made, when the door is closed, somehow, contact is not made. Could be a bent, or twisted/kinked wire.  Could be a loose contact.  

Either way you will have to take the inside door panel off and examine things.  Take careful note of anything you may plan to dis-assemble or disconnect, so that you can put it back together properly.

If you have no idea what you are doing, take the car to a shop that specializes in electrical work .

Answer 6

It sounds like the wires that go from the body to the door are broken and are making contact when the door is open but are separating apart when the door is closed.