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Window not Working

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:14 pm
by spanner83
I've got an E30 Cabriolet and my front passenger window has decided to stop working (they're electric) and has stuck two inches down, delightful in this weather :cry: .

I know it's not the switch as i have swapped it with one of the back ones and it still wont work.

Does anyone have any ideas on what could be causing this and how to fix it? Also, is it possible to manually wind the window back up? I had a bit of a mission trying to get the inner door cover off the other day and i don't want to break anything?

Any and all help is muchly appreciated!

Re: Window not Working

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:28 pm
by Cloud
Does it try to work when the door is open? If so, hold the switch on, grab the glass from atop, and yank it upwards. If not, might be worth a try anyway.

Re: Window not Working

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 4:05 pm
by spanner83
I tried that and it refused point blank to budge.

It didn't slow down gradually before it stopped like i've known motors to before, it just suddenly wouldn't go back up?!

Re: Window not Working

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 4:29 pm
by Cloud
Hopefully Brianmoooore will drop by and do his usual trick of telling you exactly what's wrong and how to fix it, before you have to park it up for the night.

Re: Window not Working

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:53 pm
by Brianmoooore
If the window doesn't move because there is no activity from the motor, rather than the glass is just jammed, then the problem can only be the motor (unlikely), the switch, or the wiring between them, including the often troublesome plug and socket in the door hinge pillar.
Swap the two switches over as a test for the switch, and if this doesn't work, take the door card off, unplug the motor and use two pieces of wire to apply power directly to the motor. Wires one way around should raise the window, the other way around should lower it.
If the window works when doing this, then check out the door pillar plug and socket.

Re: Window not Working

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:58 pm
by wiledw
Check the fuses

Re: Window not Working

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 8:19 pm
by Brianmoooore
wiledw wrote:Check the fuses
Nothing to do with fuses if one window works!

Re: Window not Working

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:13 pm
by spanner83
thanks guys, so far I've managed to take the motor off so I can manually pull the window up & stop the inside of my car freezing up. I'll try pinching a new socket off the donor car at the weekend.
I'll keep you posted!

Re: Window not Working

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:25 pm
by Brianmoooore
You may get a nasty surprise when you open up the door plugs and sockets, both on your 'working' car and your donor!

Re: Window not Working

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 11:01 pm
by skipunda
Brianmoooore wrote:...the problem can only be the motor (unlikely), the switch, or the wiring between them, including the often troublesome plug and socket in the door hinge pillar...
Had a problem with mine. FYI the motor was buzzing on depressing the switch. Thought that it must be stuck. Pinched the wires at door hinge piller (rubber bit) with a pair of pliers. At this point window raised. It still doesn't know when to stop but at least it's up.
Brianmoooore wrote:You may get a nasty surprise when you open up the door plugs and sockets, both on your 'working' car and your donor!
Yes, yes you do!

Re: Window not Working

Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 6:55 am
by wiledw
Brianmoooore wrote:
wiledw wrote:Check the fuses
Nothing to do with fuses if one window works!
didn't read that bit sorry!