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1998 GMC Safari Van's back window won't open/unlock.
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lablady
Novice
Jan 30, 2011, 2:04 PM
Post #1 of 7
(4913 views)
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1998 GMC Safari Van's back window won't open/unlock.
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Hi, we have a 1998 GMC Safari Van (4.3 liter engine, 158,000 miles). My husband uses it for his work (carpenter). The van has dutch doors in the rear, so you have to unlock & lift open the window on top to open the double doors below. Recently, the window will not open, so he cannot open the back doors to get to his equipment. He said the button will not open the window, however, he has taken out the lock and tested it with a 12 volt, and it works...moved in and out (open/closed).
Also, during the past few days, we'll hear the van clicking when it's turned off and parked, as if locking/unlocking something on its own. (Gremlins?)
He'd like to know:
1) Could it be the relay? And if so, where is the relay and what exactly does it look like so he knows what he's looking for?
2) If it's not the relay, what else could it be?
3) Is it an electrical problem?
Many thanks for any help you can give us! :)
~ lablady
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 30, 2011, 3:33 PM
Post #2 of 7
(4909 views)
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Re: 1998 GMC Safari Van's back window won't open/unlock.
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Not sure if the clicking is related or not but noted. Try pushing on the glass while requesting unlock and see it that works. If so, lube the heck out of all the moving parts.
I know tons of stuff doesn't use a key but just the lock motor (dumb) but if it has a key slot to do this manually will it even turn?
Still try pushing and pushing and pulling if a handle.
Also note that some of these may use kinda spring loaded contacts on the non glass part for the electrical connection. Those need to be clean and touching properly if that way,
T
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lablady
Novice
Jan 30, 2011, 4:14 PM
Post #3 of 7
(4904 views)
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Re: 1998 GMC Safari Van's back window won't open/unlock.
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The key unlocks the bottom dutch doors & that works but when you push the key/button to open the window on top, nothing happens. It's like an electronic latch that would release an 'actuator' to open the window. The key, itself, works - it unlocks the bottom doors but you can't open them without opening the large window above first. It's a window that lift's UP, like the trunk of a car. Here's a link to a picture of a van just like it. http://tinyurl.com/4s53fm3 Note the back view and you'll see what we mean.
Thanks for your suggestions, though.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 30, 2011, 6:32 PM
Post #4 of 7
(4899 views)
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Re: 1998 GMC Safari Van's back window won't open/unlock.
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OK: That pic helps. Someone here may know better the set up for latching this whole set up. My guess is the electrically
actuated latch is in the lower part not the top with window but can't know from anything I have. Shouldn't the key turn
both left and right? That meaning one way would just open the window first then the other to open the bottom so you can
open it next.
You could look to see if wires are going to the top for any RWD and or the wiper if equipped or if it's done with just contact buttons.
There's a chance this is controlled by a body control module also - hmmm.
If all hard wired and used a lot as I would guess from the first post the bending of the wire in a rubber like snorkle or wires could be a problem area as they can break inside from bending a lot which gets common to driver's door in some cars with higher use or miles to fail there.
Have to admit that's a funky set up and not familiar with it.
Back to the clicking: Can you isolate where that noise comes from? If perhaps from up front there could be a multi function relay that is the problem. Spent ages figuring one out on a GM - a lock relay used 6 prongs and two separate points inside for request UP and another for request down. Dang thing would always work two seconds after testing anything for months so I couldn't catch it right away
In that case things still worked manually.
Would love it if we had all the answers here but you may need probably an auto body shop's help if you can't find it on the web here or whatever. There is a comprehensive download thru www.AllData.com you purchase which should give detailed diagrams,
T
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lablady
Novice
Jan 30, 2011, 7:16 PM
Post #5 of 7
(4892 views)
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Re: 1998 GMC Safari Van's back window won't open/unlock.
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Oops, that photo is not mine, that's why I didn't post it; just linked to it. It's just one I found online that was similar to our van.
I'll ask my husband about the things you mentioned. He did say it's a funny system, not well-thought-out at all. Thanks for trying to help! Much appreciated. :)
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afuller
New User
Jun 21, 2011, 12:02 PM
Post #6 of 7
(4746 views)
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Re: 1998 GMC Safari Van's back window won't open/unlock.
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Did you ever figure this problem out? I am having the same issue with my 1998 Safari van. I can only open the window if I disconcet the battery for more than 10 mins. We have checked fuses, etc and cant seem to find a solution.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 21, 2011, 1:09 PM
Post #7 of 7
(4738 views)
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Re: 1998 GMC Safari Van's back window won't open/unlock.
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This question is 6 months old. If you need help with something, please start a new question.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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