I went to leave work today and the drivers side window wouldn't move down. I held the switch for a second without realizing it, and it smoked. I let it go, and it stopped. Is the switch bad, or should I look at the window motor? Is there maybe a ground that grounds the left side of the switch? The passenger side one works.
And after the smoke, the mirrors stopped worked, I check the fuse, it was blown. I replaced it, the mirrors and dome light work now, but the drivers side window doesn't. Suggestions?
Motor.
I had been working on mine recently. My issue is always the passenger side motor which I have already replaced with a used one. They have a nasty tendency to get moisture and corrosion on the inside especially since they are mounted so low in the door where water drips and drains. Bad dew wipes make this worse. The motors themselves are held together with long screws and when they are removed, the end plate comes off. The gaskets to seal these end plates often disinigrate. I was able to save my RH motor by just taking it apart and cleaning the corrosion and moisture out of it then resealing the end water tight. Now the only issue I have is the glass binding in the dried out old door window channels which need to be replaced. I have also relubed the entire window regulator and moving parts with new grease. The only other issue is the regulator's wounded spring which is rusty. It could possibly pop one day.
If the switch smoked then you may have burned up the contacts in it holding it down too long. It will likely need to be replaced at this point.
I'm going to disagree with you on this one. I had the same thing happen to me, before, (press & hold the switch and it smoked) and I fried the switch. I ended up replacing the motor about a month after I put the "new" switch in, though.
Well if the switch smoked then there is high resistance. I would guess motor or wiring. But I am guessing if you smoked the switch then it will have to be replaced when you do the motor.
Well I have a new switch on the way(at least it should be) and I'll put it in and see what happens. I jumped the motor while it was still in the car, and it works...
this should not be happening, your circuit breaker failed you.
make sure its a 20A rated CB.
The motors also have a built-in circuit breaker.
These window switch contacts are also famous for developing corrosion or loosing contact tension when pressed down to achieve a good contact. High resistance because of this will overheat the switch and smoke it! I replaced mine already because of this.
It ended up being my switch. The contacts were pretty corroded, and I think they just shorted out.