I have noticed that the drivers window only works when the door is closed. I assumed that there is a switch in the latch mechanism that controls this.
When I was making my door light weight by removing as much unneeded stuff as I could, I removed some of the unnecessary wiring. Knowing the trick with the window, I tested the window as I cut the wires out to make sure it still works. While testing, the window would go up and down fine with the door open or closed. Perfect. This is just what I wanted.
The next time I went back to the car (a few days later), the window wouldn't work at all. I thought that was strange seeing how I had tested it OK previously. I then thought I would use my multimeter to check what the switch was doing when closing opening the door and then wire it up so the window worked.
I couldn't get any connectivity change in the wiring coming from the latch mechanism when closing and opening the door.
Without looking at the wiring diagrams (my next step), do any of you have any experience with this part of the car and can help to guide me?

Are you sure that there just isn't bad wires around the hinge. Ive never seen one that doesn't work with the door open 

Could be. I'll check it out

I fixed it. The earth was missing. I added a new one.
The window still won't work if I open the door, turn the ignition on and try the window.
It does work however if I do it with me inside the car with the door closed. After I have done it once, the window then works OK after I open the door too! It's always been like this.
 

dasic1
Are you sure that there just isn't bad wires around the hinge. Ive never seen one that doesn't work with the door open 

I had the same symptons....it was bad/old wires around the hinge that had worn...replaced them and it works fine.

Thanks. I'll fix it properly when it stops working completely

+1 for broken wires in the door.
The speaker in my driver side door stopped working when opening the door and worked again when the door is closed. I replaced the wires and it's all good now.