Dead Power Windows? How to Fix Your Malibu Control Issues

Had the same issue with my 2017 Chevy Impala, turned out the power window switch was completely dead. After a week of frustration, took it to a repair shop where they diagnosed the window mechanism problem. Cost me about 200 for parts and labor, and they had it fixed in under 2 hours. From my experience with automotive repair (been working on my own cars for basic maintenance), window issues can stem from either the window motor, window regulator, or the switch itself. Since all your windows aren't responding, the main switch panel is likely the culprit rather than individual window regulators. Before you replace anything though, what's the error code you're getting? Also, can you hear any clicking when pressing the switches? This info would help narrow down whether it's actually the switch or possibly something else in the electrical system.

Just had my 76,808 KM service last month and dealt with a similar power windows issue. The window motor was completely unresponsive on all doors. The shop found the main fuse for the power windows was blown, but replacing it alone didn't fix the problem. Turned out the door panel wiring harness was damaged, causing a short circuit that kept blowing the fuse. The regulator motor and window mechanism were fine, it was purely an electrical issue. Total repair was cheaper than expected since they didn't need to replace the entire window motor assembly. Worth checking your fuses first before assuming it's a bad switch or regulator. A diagnostic scan should also reveal if the BCM is receiving input from the switches at all.

Yeah, electrical issues with power windows can be tricky to diagnose. Had the exact same problem with my Chevy Impala, first thought it was the window regulator too. When my window mechanism stopped working, I wasted money replacing the switch before finding out it was actually a wiring harness issue, just like yours. The damaged wiring in the door panel was causing intermittent shorts, which kept blowing the fuse. Once I got the wiring fixed, the power windows worked perfectly. Just backing up your point about checking the fuses and wiring before jumping to replace more expensive components. For anyone else reading, if your power windows fail completely, start with the basics: check fuses, look for signs of wire damage in the door panel, and get a proper diagnostic scan. The regulator motor might not be the problem at all. A short circuit in the wiring harness is a common issue that's often overlooked. Smart move getting that diagnostic scan done, saves time and money compared to just blindly replacing parts.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My mechanic actually just found the issue, turned out to be a faulty wiring harness in the door panel, exactly like you both described. The diagnostic scan showed intermittent signal loss between the power window switches and the BCM. They're ordering a new harness and estimate around €300 for parts and labor, which isn't as bad as I feared replacing the whole window regulator would be. Really glad I checked here before jumping to replace the window motor or switch assembly. Those electrical gremlins can be sneaky, but starting with fuse checks and proper diagnostics definitely saved me from throwing parts at the problem. Should have the car back tomorrow once they finish rewiring the door panel. At least now I know what to watch for if the power windows act up again in the future.