Having same old problem with windows deciding when they feel like going up or down depending on usually 2 things...if it's hot, they won't go down and if it's raining, they won't go up. I'm starting to think it actually has something to do with the ignition switch, if that is possible. While driving with both inoperative, you can stop and shut the car off, then restart and they both work. Can anyone help solve the mystery?
Thanks,
Seann

 

Almost certainly some poor connections somewhere along the line, and/or dirty contacts in the switch.

On a restart the system voltage might be a little higher and overcomes the poor connections

What year is your car?

Less common but still possible is that the glass is sticking in the felt-lined run channel, as these run channels can sort of disintegrate. This fault might be influenced by temperature, humidity.

Cheers
DD

 

Start with the easiest and cheapest solution. Pull the switches out, open them up and clean them out. Do not use anything abrasive. I did and ruined my switches as they would oxidize in short order. Your contacts may already have gotten there on their own. If you buy replacements, make sure you pay up for the ones with the metal clips on the ends, or buy the cheap ones, and do some open heart surgery. Use the inside parts of the new ones, in the old case. You'll never get the plastic to fit through the plastic switch frame, only the metal ones will.

 

The car is an '87, I've changed the switches before...this is a "power/no power" condition. When there is power, I sometimes have to give the glass a wiggle to unbind it in the slides, pass side worse than driver, but I can live with that issue.

 

In that case, off with the door cards and lube that bottom track up. That's where most of the action happens. Get some silicone grease and really get it in there.

After that, attack the side rails, both front and back. With the cards off, it's still tight to access, but you'll figure it out. You can also check to see if anything in there is loose, tracks, motor mount, etc.