Window woes

[madformotors]

Hi Chaps,
Just as I thought I was getting on top of things, the wedge has found a new way to entertain. The driver's side window is happy enough to go down (usually) but intermittently decides not to go up. When it does decide to work properly, it goes at the correct speed, with no untoward noises or apparent signs of distress.
I've had a wee peek into the door after taking the panel off, but everything looks ok i.e.no wires hanging off or rust/damage.
Before I start getting in deep, does this fault sound familiar?
Ian

[BIG DUNC]

Switch?

[ElvisWedgeman]

Undo window motor wires from inside door and run directly to the battery to operate window. Reverse polarity for up and down. If all is well, it’s the switch that’s faulty.

Tony. TCB.

[madformotors]

Right, thanks chaps, sounds like a good idea, I'll make a start with the switch
Ian

[dixiebabes]

Right im not winding you up here (pardon the pun) if it does it again start the engine keep your finger on the switch on the up position and give a sharp bang with the side of your hand to the right center of the door. Happened to mine a couple of times and worked after the slap.

Dix

[madformotors]

Hi dix
that sounds like my kind of fix, I'll give that a try before looking at the switch ( I can't see how to get at it properly at the moment, so I'm 'stalling' if I'm honest!)
Ian

[KKson]

Would agree most likely a dirty contact on the switch. They are easy to take apart and spray with electrical contact cleaner.

[dixiebabes]

madformotors said:

Hi dix
that sounds like my kind of fix, I'll give that a try before looking at the switch ( I can't see how to get at it properly at the moment, so I'm 'stalling' if I'm honest!)
Ian

Yeah it works definitely. Good luck.

Dix

[french dave]

Hi,sure I read somewhere there's a hinge point that can seize or wear that can affect the raise cycle? Dave

[madformotors]

KKson said:

Would agree most likely a dirty contact on the switch. They are easy to take apart and spray with electrical contact cleaner.

Thanks for that, I've got the spray, any thoughts on getting the switch out?
Ian

[madformotors]

french dave said:

Hi,sure I read somewhere there's a hinge point that can seize or wear that can affect the raise cycle? Dave

Thanks Dave, I'll delve into the door / lift mechanism after trying the ' bang on the door' technique and cleaning the switch, if they don't do the trick!
Ian

[KKson]

madformotors said:

Thanks for that, I've got the spray, any thoughts on getting the switch out?
Ian

On my 390 the lower centre section of the dash unscrews (one screw either side). Once unscrewed the central bit can be slid forward towards the gear stick and I can get my hand in behind the switches to help release them.

[madformotors]

Thanks, I'll have a look today, after trying Tony's suggestion about connecting a battery to the motor wires. Plenty of helpful stuff to go at - many thanks guys.

[rev-erend]

Hi Mad,

I think there is a steel cable that limits the upward 'max' position.

Worth checking that it does not get snagged when the window is going up.

[madformotors]

Well, tried Tony.TCB's direct battery hook-up to the motor idea, and have full up- and downability , which seems to suggest that it's the switch after all.
Next job, getting the switch out for a clean - but I can't figure out how to get at it.
Anybody have a console panel like in the photo?.

Edited by madformotors on Thursday 20th September 16:01

Edited by madformotors on Thursday 20th September 16:01

[ElvisWedgeman]

I have worked on a 400se which has a similar set up with five clocks instead of four. This must be similar. Take stereo out and there should be screws (nuts) inside, either side, half way up. Undo them and wooden effect section holding clocks should move forward. Wires should be long enough to get at switches and take them out. Switches can be opened up carefully, cleaned, luricated, tested and put back. I hope that helps.

Tony. TCB.

Edited by ElvisWedgeman on Thursday 20th September 18:43

[ElvisWedgeman]

Your next question will probably be ‘how do I get the stereo out’? You can buy on line for pennies two keys (u shaped wire clips) that push in front of stereo either side once the face is off. You can then pull stereo forward. If the wires are long enough, no need to disconnect. If not you may have to release Ariel wire and some cables. You can then get your hand in there and search around for the nuts either side. You may even be able to remove the window switch from inside the stereo opening without having to move panel forward, if there is enough room.
Good luck.

Tony. TCB.

[madformotors]

Thanks Tony, that's a good idea I'll try your method tomorrow.
Ian

Edited by madformotors on Thursday 20th September 19:21

[ElvisWedgeman]

Note.... if you find the switch is working fine, then the only likely scenario is that the window or it’s mechanism is catching the door panel. Now the door panel is off, it may be running well. I say this because in such cases where it’s catching the door panel, it usually happens on the upward motion of the window rather than the downward motion as in your case. So, pay extra attention as you put the door panel back and make sure it sits in properly. Once in place pay attention to what’s happening to the glass on the upward motion like catching something. Just a possibility that has happened to me in the past. I want to hear that you’ve got that window up and running properly. Cheers.

Tony. TCB.

[rev-erend]

Dont forget to use silicon spray on window / door rubbers. Always helps.