Any cerbera window experts about?

[jamesc_1729]

My new cerb has the not entirely unexpected window issues. Wondered if anyone could help?

Neither window will go up all the way, both windows stop 1-2" below the fully closed position. (Eta, with me using the switch to raise it...) This is slightly puzzling as most faults I have read about would usually affect one at a time (just by randomly affecting one at a time rather than both (wiring /connector/microswitch/solenoid failure)

I have done the following;

Unplugged all connectors from window ecu in boot then reconnected.
Removed drivers door card then unplugged the three connectors and cleaned/reconnected them.

I noticed that the microswitch in the door with the window holding it shut in the down position opens when the window is within 1-2" of fully closed, which stops the window from rising further - is this correct?

Thanks for any help.

Edited by jamesc_1729 on Monday 3rd June 21:50

[jamesc_1729]

Thanks for both replies.


Tanguero - I don't follow what you are saying as I am trying to close either window using the switches adjacent to the radio. Therefore how can the closing action of the window be controlled by a timed event.

I tried holding the microswitch down once the window had risen past it ( and therefore opened it) and the window goes all the way to the top.

I am confused..

[jamesc_1729]

Hi rich yes agreed it does seem logically that the ecu thinks both doors are open all of the time. I have had one door working, then both, and now neither, in the two weeks I have owned it! The passenger window originally was playing up but then the seller mentioned swapping a relay and the fault moved to the drivers side. (Dont understand which relay he meant)

Back to symptoms - As I raise the drivers window from fully down the window rises until it opens the microswitch and then stops immediately.

How do I short the reed switch to confirm? I can see there is a nut/bolt in the door with a corresponding bit of metal in the body door frame - is this the door close sensor ?

[jamesc_1729]

Thanks for more advice I will try and have a look again after dinner and report back!

I wonder if we are not missing a hint with both doors not working-could just be coincidence I s'pose!

[jamesc_1729]

Hi - I have just been out for a quick look.

The windows do not move when I set the alarm (one window is down fully; the other is 1-2" from the top.)

The interior light has 3 positions, one of these is off permanently and the other two are on permanently regardless of door position.

I haven't tried a magnet on the reed switch as I don't have one (had a quick look in screwfix but they don't sell them)

I guess I should buy two reed switches online tonight and then swap them out huh??

[jamesc_1729]

Hi

Good question - in the sill fibreglass is an 15-20mm diameter indent but I don't know if the magnet is present or not.

Should the magnet protrude? There does look like there is a metal disc in the insert but I can't be sure. What should the sill part look like?

I guess both could have fallen out but in all my googling on this subject I have never read of this as a problem.

[jamesc_1729]

sonnylad said:

Also worth checking fuses, depending on year of manu fuse number 6 (15a) is Door control unit on my car (96). That is reading from petrol tank side back towards rear lights.

Hi - surely if the door control ecu fuse was gone nothing would work - windows, door solenoids etc.
could you help determining whether the magnets are missing on my car at all?

[jamesc_1729]

Hi - with regard to door switch type :

http://www.cerbera.co.uk/cerbera/production.htm

This website describes a changeover at some point. So early 96/97 cars had a mechanical switch from vw, then subsequent cars had the magnetic sensors.

I have found a website which sells the magnets so I am going to buy magnets and reed switches and swap the lot until it starts working again!

[jamesc_1729]

Thanks everyone and tim - I had bookmarked a similar post of yours for reference.

Today I brought home 2 things from work - a horseshoe magnet and a dvm.

Tried the magnet on both reed switches and no change to window or interior light behaviour.

Tested the voltage levels from a1 and b1 below and they both say 12v with the door open or closed.

Guessing both reed switches are broken then?

Oh a slight complication was that I closed the boot without connecting the ecu back up, not realising the boot is controlled by the same box.

Could someone please pm me some advice? I can email a pic of me and the car but not the v5 as still awaiting it from dvla.

Edited by jamesc_1729 on Wednesday 5th June 18:39

[jamesc_1729]

Will try shorting the connector tomorrow.

I am still locked out of the boot though... :-(

[jamesc_1729]

Hi no I am still seeking advice as to how to get into the boot with the ecu disconnected.

[jamesc_1729]

Time for my daily update -

Today I got back into the boot after receiving some advice via email. Then I took the door card off and disconnected the reed switch connector. Since they are NC this has the effect of simulating the door closing.

The window then went straight up..

Two reed switches on order from RS components. Should be here Saturday.

Thanks for the advice it is useful to explain things as this crystallises your own understanding and thoughts.

[jamesc_1729]

Reed switches arrived today. Changed the drivers side and works beautifully now.

Came to do the passengers side and noticed that the magnet had disapeared! Replaced that as I had bought a pair and still didn't work so replaced the red switch and not really happy still. Tried to remove door card but one of the Allen bolts is rusted and rounded so need to drill it out. Fun and games eh?

Had four new tyres (T1-Rs) fitted today as the car came with 16 year old bridgestone s02s!

Next on list is new exhaust, then 12k mile service at str8six.