2004 Kia Optima, Power Windows Do Not Work

This 2004 Kia Optima came in with the complaint that all of the power windows stopped working at the same time. I took a quick look at a wiring diagram and saw that it was a fairly simple system. A power window fuse, power window relay and power window switches.

The 40 amp power window fuse is located in the underhood fuse box. It is the second fuse down from the top left corner of the fuse box legend.

I looked closely at the fuse and could see that it was okay. Looking however does not let you know if there is power there or not. Also sometimes it is very hard to tell by visual inspection that a fuse of this style is good or not.

To be absolutely sure this is what I do. After first removing the fuse in question, I use a small screwdriver to release the locking tabs on the window or clear cover.

With the cover removed I could get a clear view of the fuse element and it was good.

To go one step further, I reinstalled the fuse and checked for power on both sides of the fuse with a test light. Obviously power is present and the fuse was indeed good.

The next thing that I wanted to do was to check the power window relay. I looked in the component locators,in the data base that I use and the only reference that I could find to it was that it is located in the junction block. Not knowing where the relay was prompted me to remove the driver’s door panel and check to see if power was present at the connector.

There were several screws to be removed from the door panel. Two at the rear edge. Tow at the front edge, Two at the lower edge. One at the bottom of the pull grip. One that holds the interior door release handle bezel in place. Then at the bottom of the panel find a hand hold and pull the panel to release the plastic retaining pins. There were three harness connectors that had to be released and they were quite difficult due to the angles. Each one has a locking tab that has to be released first.

I located the pink power supply wire to the power window switch and there was no power present, with the key on. Now I have to find the relay. One of my best friends was at my shop working on a ATV and mentioned that I should do an search online. I laughed and told him that you cannot find information like this on line and that is one of the many reasons why I started Sparky’s Answers. I did however give it a try and sure enough plenty of questions and no answers. It did remind me that Kia has a very friendly information site so I went there and signed up so that I could find the information in the dealer site. I am sad to say that I could not find a location there either.

After coming back to the Optima, my friend asked me if I had found the answer. I said “No, as usual the internet is useless when it comes to finding needed automotive technical information. At least what I need.”

His reply was “Why don’t you call the dealership and ask one of the mechanics there”.

I looked him in the eyes and said ” Do you even know me at all, I’m MoFlo Sparky at Sparky’s Answers. I don’t call people for trivial stuff like this. They call me!” We both busted out laughing and I told him to go back to playing with his ATV while I got to work.

Now to finally answer the question of just where is the power window relay on this Kia.  It is the second relay from the left on the back side of the fuse/junction block. I am pointing to it in the picture below. The lower dash trim panel had to be removed to gain good access to it. First the left switch panel has to be removed. There is one screw at the upper edge of the opening once the switch panel is out. You can see the clip nut in the picture below. There are also two screws in the lower corners of that panel that have to be removed. From there the panel unsnaps from the dash. It is a little tedious though.

I put my fingers on the relay while I switched the ignition on and back off. No click. I removed the relay and testing it and it was okay. What next?

In looking closer at the wiring diagrams I found that the relay is controlled by the ECATS module. A complicated term for a body control module. I thought that maybe there was a problem in there so I wanted to remove and inspect it for damage. When I started figuring out how to remove it, I realized that the lower edge of it was loose. I snapped it into place and the key in warning buzzer sounded. I was pretty sure that this car was fixed.

I turned the ignition on and checked for power at the power window switch harness. As you can see it was back.

I put everything back together and checked to make sure everything worked. It did and this one was done.