2001 Astro Power Window

Probably the motor...I have a 2000 Astro I had to replace the window motors in....The old ones are pop riveted in and have to be drilled out, no big deal, you just need to either rivet the new ones in or find some short screws that will clear the window....I used screws....Plus you can get more powerful replacements for about $40 if memory serves.....I did get a quote from the dealership first, they wanted like $200 each....I went ahead and replaced the door locks at the same time, and door panels.....

I did a search for "2001 Astro Power Window problems" on google & it appears it is a common problem there is many people with similar problems. Some have had to replace motors & others had to replace the switches on the drivers side lock out because the power for passenger side comes from there.

I don't think there are any relays they usually just run straight off the switches. There is 2 controls try using the switch on passenger door & the drivers door main control, if it does the same from both switches I would start looking at the motor, measure the voltage at the motor when being operated from both switches & if full voltage is getting there & the motor doesn't work get a new motor. If you don't get full 12 volt at the motor I would look at the switch

There is a circuit breaker mounted on the brusholder board inside of the motor. This circuit breaker is weak and trips prematurely. Solder a shunt across the circuit breaker ( in parellel ) of heavier guage wire than used for feed. Add an external circuit breaker in line to re introduce protection once again. This can be done outside of the motor in the loom. The value of this circuit breaker should be 10% higher than the running current measured with an amprobe. Use a Cole Hersee circuit breaker or equivelant.

Thank you for the detailed instruction on how to re-energize the window motor on a 2000 Astro van. I attempted this fix and found that the brushes were worn to 3/16" and probably should be replaced [where do you get the proper brush ?]. Not being an experienced motor rebuilder I was also baffled in keeping the brushes retracted far enough to replace the brush holder on the shaft. How do you do this ? Is there a special tool required ? Thanks JimKay

A lot of GM vehicles use a circuit breaker (look for a small metal box on the fuse panel) for the power windows to handle the initial high amperage required to generate enough torque to overcome the window starting friction. A fuse would have to be oversized to prevent blowing. What may be happening is high friction in the glass track is causing the motor starting current to go high enough to cause the breaker to trip. After a short time the breaker resets and the motor can be engaged again with the same result. Try spraying some silicon lubricant in the window glass tracks or take a birthday cake candle and rub some parafin in the tracks. A worse case scenario may be that the window regulator mechanism (the thing that mechanical raises and lowers the glass) needs lubricating. That requires removing the door panel to access the regulator mechanism.

Did you try to lubricate the tracks? Try some silicone spray, etc. on it.

Sorry to Graycav for not reading his entire post. I didn't intend on stealing his idea.

You more than likely have a window motor that is going bad and drawing to much amperage.This will trip the circuit breaker and once it cools down it will work again.One other thing you can check is the wiring between the door and the body where the wires go through a rubber boot.The wires will break from the door opening so frequently.Hope this helps.Good luck.

Good Evening Gentleman,Ladies,

As previously posted the Circuit Breakers inside the motors have become weak. Our firm "Electrical Rebuilders Inc" regularly repairs these motors. We also do the on the vehicle diagnose and are very familiar with the symptoms. These motors do not burn up, or wear out with the exception of the Circuit Breaker. Now..that being said I gave away a trade secret. Follow the directions for repair in my above post and you are guaranteed to have success. You now benefit by my 40 years experience in the field of electrical rebuilding.

Note there are no maybes, or possibilities, no more than likelys, or opinions, or I think, in my post. It is shear raw unadulterated actual hands on previous success. Watch out for those that speak wildly without any actual previous successes in the field.

Most experts do not care to post and answer these questions, since they are used to getting paid for this same work. This is my way of giving back.

On the other hand the posts run wild with guesswork and sheer conjecture. For that reason I apoligise for the others, as there answers can be very misleading to the original honest question.

Regards

Dean Falk

President

Electrical Rebuilders Inc.