First issue with the wagon in two years. Lowered the window to open the gate and do some cleaning and greasing. Two hours later when time to close up the window won't go back up by key in door or switch on dash. In fact hear not a click. Two circuit breakers for this window. One for back switch and one for front switch so an unlikely culprit both go south at same time. Also two fusible links just like the circuit breakers with one each for each switch. Again unlikely blew two at the same time. Found the motor in the tailgate to be unreachable in the middle under the glass. Have a feeling clear plastic and tape is in the future even if no rain for another 4-5 months.
Can you test to see if you are getting power at the motor? Can you apply 12V to the motor to see if it does anything? I don't know what kind of car you are working on, but is there a switch to prevent operation of the window unless the tailgate is fully latched?
The Ambassador wagon has a key operated switch on the tailgate and then one on the dash. Neither one works and this was immediately after lowering the window it then failed to go up. Not even a hint of a sound. Trying to read the convoluted wiring diagram to see where I can access the power line up front. Don't want to tap in at the gate with the gate down in order to get access to it. There is no safety switch that prevents operation.
In that case, power interruption is to be found ahead of both switches. I'd check the fuse box for possible corrosion or a loose connection at one of the fuse ends. If that's okay and a test light lights up there, I'd try tracing where the window motor grounds. A wiring diagram isn't necessary for doing these
With the door closed, I'd tap the door in the area of the motor with a rubber mallet, while holding the switch down. We used to do this all the time in the shop. The brushes in the motor go bad, but once you get it going, it will continue. Gravity helps it going down, but aren't strong enough to raise it. This also works on wiper motors and power window motors.
So as luck would have it today I took the car out for a 50 mile drive. Right after I start the car I tap the inside toggle switch expecting nothing but hear a click. So like "was that a click?" I now press it down and the darn window promptly comes right on up. One might ask if I tried down and back up but I wasn't about to try my luck. Clearly the power line from front to back is intact and functioning as are the fuses although there are two fuses for the window. One for the front toggle switch and one for the rear key switch.
