Random Electrical Problems (02 GT)

[BlackenedSVT]

So 6 months ago, my driver side window went DOWN but would not go back up. I let it sit in the garage stored over night, and int he morning it works fine without any more problems what so-ever. Now a month ago it does it again. SAME situtation. It sits over night and then it had no problems again. Now TODAY it happens again. Driver window goes down and wont go back up. Its in the garage again to sit over night before i go to work again...but i HAVE to know what the hell this problem is. Its random and only happens every now and then as you can see.

This a window regulator? Motor? relay? fuse? what the heck?

ALSO. This last time when the window went dead, it killed my cigarette lighter. May just be coincidence perhaps, but my cigarette lighter doesn't work and hence i can't use my radar detector. Where is the fuses for the cigar lighter? I'd like to check them since im guessing its blown. But i dont know why it would be blown, and i dont think its connected to the driver window at all, so im confused

 

[Kilgore Trout]

There is also a fuse in the lighter plug on the end of the radar detector cable that you may need to check.

One of my theories about windows rolling down is that the rubber stripping along the top of the door trim folds under and exposes the rubber side instead of the felt side to the window glass. Of course this causes the drag on the window to increase significantly which overheats the motor. Once it cools off it works again. The fix is silicone spray on the weather stripping along the top of the door trim. Also using a glass polish instead of a glass cleaner helps the window glass to slide between more easily.

 

[BlackenedSVT]

There is also a fuse in the lighter plug on the end of the radar detector cable that you may need to check.

One of my theories about windows rolling down is that the rubber stripping along the top of the door trim folds under and exposes the rubber side instead of the felt side to the window glass. Of course this causes the drag on the window to increase significantly which overheats the motor. Once it cools off it works again. The fix is silicone spray on the weather stripping along the top of the door trim. Also using a glass polish instead of a glass cleaner helps the window glass to slide between more easily.

Hmm interesting theory, i'll look into this tomorrow when im at work at BMW. I know we use rubber lubricant on windows all the time there. I'll boost some.

Also, what was that 1st sentance? That didn't make sense to me

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Hmm interesting theory, i'll look into this tomorrow when im at work at BMW. I know we use rubber lubricant on windows all the time there. I'll boost some.

Also, what was that 1st sentance? That didn't make sense to me

The cable for your radar detector has a fuse hidden inside it. Right behind the silver button on the end that plugs in.

 

[BlackenedSVT]

The cable for your radar detector has a fuse hidden inside it. Right behind the silver button on the end that plugs in.

Im guessing all radar detectors have this? As you dont know what radar detector i have. But its an Escort for the record. I'll have to look into this tomorrow. But why would my Radar Detector fuse blow the same time my window dies? This all just completely awkward coincidence?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

All have it. Check the fuses in the fuse block or plug something else into the accessory to find out which is blown.

Coincendence, yeah I guess

 

[BlackenedSVT]

All have it. Check the fuses in the fuse block or plug something else into the accessory to find out which is blown.

Coincendence, yeah I guess

I have a 12v outlet in my center console box too.. and the radar didn't work in that either, so maybe it is the radar detector fuse. I'll look into it tomorrow.

But anyway, back to the window.. if this thing ISNT what you say it is... what else would it be?

 

[Mike97gt]

most likely the motor... they do this somtimes when they are on the way out..

 

[Kilgore Trout]

The motors are known to just die.

They are also known to "stick" and people report holding the switch in the up position while slamming the door to free them up. Other fixes are removing interior trim and striking the motor while actuating the switch.

 

[BlackenedSVT]

Mike, how much is a motor for the driver side? Got a price off the top of your head? is it hard to install? I get discounted ford prices from my BMW dealership. My BMW shop gives discounts To a Ford Dealer by me, so we swap discounts. Which is nice.

 

[Mike97gt]

Mike, how much is a motor for the driver side? Got a price off the top of your head? is it hard to install? I get discounted ford prices from my BMW dealership. My BMW shop gives discounts To a Ford Dealer by me, so we swap discounts. Which is nice.

I do not know off hand.. sorry

 

[BlackenedSVT]

Well today i got in the car and the window wouldn't go back up... sooo i hold the window button in the UP position while i slam the door and sure enough the window goes up.

Now at work i lubed the window rubber and seals all around the door and what not with rubber seal/lubricant that we use at BMW. And the window is ok for now.

Given what i've said, can anyone tell the problem for SURE? Is it the motor? Will it blow out on me eventually?

 

[dude496]

LOL, the good old bang to fix method....just like what you do when the solenoid on the starter is starting to go.

I'd say its either the motor or the wiring. Slamming the door shut caused something to move....trace out the wiring and make sure its not frayed and also makes good clean contact with the motor.

 

[Mike97gt]

this is how you tell for sure.

when it will not go up pull the connector off the power window motor and with your test light see if you got power to one of the two pins at the connector when you hold the switch in the up pos. then test it on the down pos. if you have power there and you have ground then the motor should move.