99 silverado power locks and window problems

tad90 · November 14, 2014

I have a 99 single cab silverado. The power door locks for both sides will not work. I ordered a new switch for the drivers side and it did not help the problem. The drivers side lock is not hard to push back and forth but the passenger side doesn't like to move. I have keyless entry and when you press unlock or lock the driver's side will work but the passenger side does nothing . On to the windows. I have had the truck for 4 monthes and the whole time it has been hot here in Florida i have not had a problem with them. But for some reason when it is cold outside the drivers side power window will not roll up or down. But if its warm outside I have no problems out of it. I thought it was the switch so I ordered a new one and it did not help. If anyone has any idea what i should do or where to begin it would be greatly appreciated !!!!

ifixedit · November 14, 2014

The power door locks on my 03 have gotten wimpy when it's cold out (like under 30 F) the past few winters and never did in the past. Quite often now when it's really cold (like temps in the minus digits), using the FOB the locks will either barely work or not at all. I can hear them trying to work, but they won't which leaves me with only the old fashined option of using the key to unlock the drivers side door so I can get in, get the thing running, and get it warmed up, then everything works just fine. I think the power locks just weaken over time and the cold makes them worse as things stiffen up in the cold and makes parts harder to move freely. Maybe taking off the door panels (not fun) and lubricating certain points would help? As for your power window problem, it's probably the same issue. You've likely got a motor that's gotten weak combined with window tracks that have worn over time and now bind some along with the rubber mouldings around the window that aren't as flexible as they used to be, all causing more drag as well that really shows up when the temps go down. In your case we're talking about a 15 year old truck going on 16, mine 11 years going on 12, and stuff just doesn't work as it should forever. We're up here in Minnesota and factor in the cold is hard on the vehicles and does all kinds of crazy things we've just come to accept.

tad90 · November 15, 2014

I understand that it is an old truck but i believe it can be fixed. To say its just old and that it is not gonna work because of the age is not what i wanna hear lol I just was just looking for some advice on what I should start replacing. I have the cash to fix it but I'm not gonna take it to a dealer and spend a stupid amount of money to fix it. I have always been able to fix my vehicles myself from replacing trannys to motors and everything in between. I have had 5 of these trucks and the newest one I owned was an 03. all the trucks have been power windows and locks and never had any problems like this. I assumed there would have been more people on this site that have had these issues as I have researched and seen alot of other people with power locks and power window issues. I guess I will just start replacing everything that could fail with the power lock issue with new parts I know work and see what happens. This is not my daily driver but It bothers me having power locks and windows that dont work lol and im from florida and have never seen snow and it really doesn't get too cold in pensacola. But the window motors are brand new and are strong and not slow. The funny thing is though about the locks is when I do use the keyless entry the drivers side lock does sound strong and functions as it should. I think there is some kind of electrical issue though because the keyless entry works only for the driver side but the locks inside the truck does nothing when you press the switch. I do agree though about the rubber moldings around the window are probably my issue for the drivers side window not working in the cold. Do they make a replacement molding ? I'm gonna get the meter out tomorrow and do some checking to see if the switches are getting power and start buying some parts for it. Ill keep you updated and let you know what the problem is when I get it fixed . lol Hopefully I can get this fixed by the end of the weekend.

ifixedit · November 16, 2014

Well, for starters I'm not trying to give you any grief, just laying out the facts of a 16 year old vehicle and what you will run into. If money really is no object (and none of what we're talking about here is cheap) I guess it depends on which area you want to start with first then. If you want to start out by maybe going on the cheap (or at least the cheapest) route, no matter what you do it's going to require that you remove the door panels, take your time as all the plastic stuff breaks easily and it's like there's some secret code you need to get some of the parts off without breaking them. If you're looking at the windows first, I'd start by checking all the window the felts to see if they are worn, also check the window seals to see if any are stiff an applying undue pressure on the glass inhibiting the glass movement, then disconnect the motor mechanism and see if the windows align in the tracks without wracking one way or the other and in general look to slide up and down without much effort or issue. Next step could be new motors but you should be able to observe the motor function without them connected to the glass to insure they work properly. They may appear to work properly but when connected to the glass they just may be too weak.

Door locks are another issue, you could again start out by checking to make sure there is no binding and other areas in need of attention or lubrication, but the power lock solenoids are known as being a bit wimpy from the factory, and get more wimpy over time, the ones on my 03 are living proof and there are much stronger aftermarket units available. I can't come up with any names in particular off the top of my head but I'd check with some of the suppliers you might see advertising in magazines such as Hot Rod or the like who specialize in custom non-OE stuff. Try Summit or Jeg's perhaps, I know they carry after-market power lock solenoids and window motors.

Yes, you should be able to get ANY parts including the moldings, window felts, etc., either in OE or aftermarket.

Not to discourage here as I'm as determined as the next when I get something in my head, but unless you find some very unexpected, easy to fix things that just needed some attention and it solves your problems, it won't be a weekend fix as you will likely spend at least a few days just chasing down the parts.