Possibly related wiring problems?

[alkyholic]

A couple of weeks ago, my power windows stopped working. At first they wouldn't work most of the time, but would some times work if I played with the thing in the picture below (below the center console on the drivers side). Then they wouldn't work at all.

Also, my trailer wiring stopped working. I know it was working about a month before the windows went out, so I'm thinking they both failed at the same time, since I haven't used a trailer since then. Is there somewhere both of these connections come together that could have failed? Or do I have to trace down some random bad ground?
All of this on a 96 Explorer
]

 

[shadetree]

A couple of weeks ago, my power windows stopped working. At first they wouldn't work most of the time, but would some times work if I played with the thing in the picture below (below the center console on the drivers side). Then they wouldn't work at all.

Also, my trailer wiring stopped working. I know it was working about a month before the windows went out, so I'm thinking they both failed at the same time, since I haven't used a trailer since then. Is there somewhere both of these connections come together that could have failed? Or do I have to trace down some random bad ground?
All of this on a 96 Explorer
]

Check this thread, about 12 down from yours --

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26230

:shady

 

[alkyholic]

But I don't see how all four windows could jam the motors all at once. If it was one or maybe two windows that would be a lot more likely. Does anyone even know what that thing in the picture is? All I can see if that it runs on vacuum and the rod moves in and out, but I don't know what it does.

 

[alkyholic]

Alright, I tried working on this some more and I'm still stuck. As far as trailer wiring goes, I checked both plugs behind the rear bumper, all that wiring is fine. I'm not getting power at any of those plugs. I checked the fuse, it was fine, and the fuse was getting power. I checked the wiring harness that runs along the drivers side down the interior and could not find any breaks or pinched spots. Anyone have any ideas, suggestions, random thoughts? I need to get this working since I'm supposed to tow a trailer this weekend.