A retired mechanic taught me a secret to fixing my broken car with a paper clip

 

Imagine this: You’re in a supermarket parking lot, it starts to rain, and suddenly… you can’t roll up your car window. The light switch is dead, and you can already feel the wind and water seeping in. You’re far from a garage, your schedule is tight, and solutions seem nonexistent. What if I told you that a simple office object could get you out of this mess?

Why does the electric window refuse to move?

Most often, this type of failure comes from the switch, also called the window control. When it’s damaged, the current no longer passes to the motor, which is still in good condition. The result: the window remains frozen, no matter how hard you try. It’s a bit like flipping a light switch… without a bulb.

But here’s  some good news  : as long as the motor is running, it’s possible to « trick » the system into manually sending the command to raise or lower the window. And that’s where the paperclip comes in!

How to unlock the window with a paperclip?

This method isn’t magic, but it is  particularly clever . Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Remove the window control
   . This is often a simple clip to unclip. Use a small spatula or a flat screwdriver ( go gently to avoid scratching  the plastic).
2. Locate the connector
   Once the control is removed, you will see a multi-pin connector. This is what connects the electrical controls to the window motor.
3. Prepare the paperclip
   Take a standard metal paperclip and carefully straighten it. It will serve as a temporary electrical bridge.
4. Bridge the correct pins
   The idea is to manually connect the power pin ( usually +12V ) to the control pin (high or low, depending on your needs). Be careful: you need to know which ones! If you are not sure, do not try anything blindly.
5. The immediate effect
   Once contact is established, the motor receives current, and the window reacts. It goes up or down depending on the combination chosen.

An emergency solution, not a repair

This tip should only be used when necessary. It allows you to close a window before a storm or a motorway departure, but it is not a substitute for a proper repair. Touching the wrong pins can cause a short circuit or  blow a fuse .

If in doubt, ask a handyman friend for help or visit a professional as soon as possible. Prevention is better than having to  replace the entire wiring harness  !

Why this trick can save your day

We all have a paper clip, an old pen, or a toll ticket in our glove compartment. But knowing that this seemingly innocuous object can prevent water infiltration, a burglary, or simply a cold snap in the passenger compartment… it’s  far from being a small thing .

It’s a bit like discovering that your butter knife can also open the flat batteries in your remote control: a  clever ,  simple trick that saves you time and money

With a simple paperclip, a little caution, and common sense, you can bring a stubborn power window back to life. This small gesture can make all the difference in an emergency. So, the next time you empty your pockets into the center console, think differently about that paperclip…  it might just become your best car ally  !