All Power Windows Dead? Diagnose Before Paying Big

Had the same window troubleshooting drama with my 2004 Chevy Aveo last spring. Initially thought it was just the window switch, but turned out the main power supply to the window control module was compromised after a battery replacement. The root cause was corroded wiring connections in the master control panel, which affected all window regulators. The tech had to remove the driver's door panel, clean the connections, and perform a complete window reset procedure. The window regulator system needed recalibration after restoring proper power. This wasn't a quick fix, took about 4 hours of labor because they had to trace the electrical issue through multiple connection points. Not particularly complex, but definitely needed proper diagnostic equipment and someone who knows their way around automotive electrical systems. If you're getting initialization errors, make sure the shop specifically checks: Ground connections at the window control module, Power supply wiring integrity, Master window switch functionality, Individual door wiring harness connections Definitely a job worth doing right the first time, improper repairs can lead to intermittent issues that are even harder to diagnose later.

My car had those exact same symptoms last winter! I was stressed seeing all the power windows stop working at once, but after getting it fixed, the window regulator system worked perfectly. My mechanic found that the window motor control module was fried, probably from a voltage spike. They replaced the module and had to reprogram the window positions. The car window system has been smooth sailing since then. I'm curious, how much did you end up paying for the repair? I'd like to compare costs since these car electronics issues can vary quite a bit in price. Also, has everything been working properly since the fix? Sometimes these window regulator problems can come back if not fixed properly.

Just wanted to update on the costs since you asked, fixing the car window system ended up being cheaper than expected at 290€, which covered the electrical work and battery replacement. The window controls have been working flawlessly since the repair six months ago. The key was finding someone who really knew their way around car electronics. After they diagnosed the window regulator initialization problem and replaced the vehicle battery, they made sure to properly recalibrate the whole system. Haven't had a single problem with any of the windows since then. Sounds like you got lucky with your mechanic too, window troubleshooting can be tricky, and not everyone knows how to properly diagnose these electrical gremlins. When they're fixed right the first time, these repairs tend to last. It's actually pretty common for window regulator issues to pop up after battery problems or voltage spikes. The control modules are sensitive to power fluctuations, but once properly repaired and initialized, they usually stay reliable.

So I finally got this sorted out with my mechanic visit. After three hours of diagnostic work, they found a faulty window motor control unit and some damaged wiring near the fuse box. The repair cost me around 400 Euro total, bit steep but worth every penny. The mechanic walked me through the whole window regulator replacement process and showed me how the old unit had gotten corroded from moisture. They also did a complete window reset and tested all the car electronics multiple times to make sure everything was working properly. What a relief to have working windows again! The car window switches now respond instantly, and there's no more grinding noise when rolling them up. Pretty happy I decided to get it properly diagnosed instead of trying quick fixes. Those initialization errors are gone too, guess sometimes you just need to bite the bullet and get it done right.