Page 1 of 1

HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:00 pm
by mikeonb4c
I've had 2 or 3 temporary failures of the drivers side window switching circuit. The passenger side window has had one or two incidents also. Whether it is coincidence or relevant I don't know, but the incidents seems to happen in warmer / dryer weather. Hard to know if it is switch or wiring (the fault often doesnt persist long enough to test all the switching options - drivers side switch, passenger side switch etc) so I live with the anxiety of permanent failure. My suspicion is it is the wiring but I can't be sure

The problem is we are off on holiday in a couple of weeks and I have very little free time to start messing with this tricky problem as I'm tied up both weekends before we go. If the window fails in the open position it could prove awkward.

Someone did post on here for my benefit not long ago about how they managed to raise the window manually after the switch/wiring failed, but I can't remember who it was and what the advice was (I usually copy and paste it into a Word doc but forgot this time :( ).

So, can anyone offer advice on how to get the window to go up and stay up if an emergency arises. I'd be very grateful for any tips.

Thanks chums

Mike :?

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:09 pm
by dobby
Mike

It's bound to be the cable thru the door pillar problem. This has happened to ours before now, cure is to open up the loombetween the drivers door and the door pillar and separate the wires out until you can 'feel' the knackered one. Then repair it, bodge it or fix it. I'm colour blind so I couldn't tell you which one it is exactly. Bound to be another bongoer along in a minute.

Graham

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:11 pm
by dobby
whoops - just posted at the exact same time as Keefysher

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:17 pm
by mikeonb4c
Fantastic guys (why couldn't I find that Keefy?) and that is exactly what I need to know. I am off on Friday so may investigate if I'm feeling brave (I think it is most likely the wiring and I can't stomach the thought of paying £120 for a switch that I then find I don't need).

I'll keep peeps posted if I get a result.

I can feel my anxiety easing just a little 8)

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:28 pm
by mikeonb4c
I'm losing the plot anyway Keefy but I've notice on here that the 'View new posts' option on BF, which is what I always use, has defo. not prompted me everytime when a new posting has been added. So I don't reply sometimes and I'm left wondering if the person who posted has been offended. I've had to learn to live with it :evil:

Must explore the 'View your posts' option as I've no idea what it does. :?

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:43 pm
by blobber
Mike, mine had an intermittent upy downy problem. Just about every wire between door and pillar had been bodged back together. I agree, it's the first place to look.

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:48 pm
by mikeonb4c
blobber wrote:Mike, mine had an intermittent upy downy problem. Just about every wire between door and pillar had been bodged back together. I agree, it's the first place to look.
Thanks Alan. Yes, mine has some insulating tape around it suggesting its been investigated before. Oh well, deep breath and dive in :?

How's things going with your Bongo - is it in the workshop being done?

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:10 am
by bigdaddycain
If it does play up whilst on holiday mike, and you don't have time to mess with it before hand, try pressing the button, whilst jiggling/pushing/pulling the loom that goes through the door...It'll save you removing the door card in an emergency at least... :wink:

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:19 am
by blobber
Mike, slipped a bit of insulation over one end of the wiring first and soldered

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 3:21 pm
by mikeonb4c
blobber wrote:Mike, slipped a bit of insulation over one end of the wiring first and soldered
Thanks Alan - I'll do likewise I think :lol:

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 3:28 pm
by Muzorewa
Mike, I shortened my broken cable slightly then crimped both halves of an inline bullet-connector in place, thus no heat required. Then re-fitted the corrugated sheath and taped the whole thing up with insulation tape.

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:59 pm
by mikeonb4c
Thanks Muz - spoiled for choice. I'll solder if I can but do have bullet connectors so now have an option if soldering looks too tricky. Just got to 'be allowed' to spend time outside fiddling with me Bongo......again 8)

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:36 pm
by mikeonb4c
Just been investigating my window thing , using the spare switch (with working drivers side switch toggle only) that NeilT gave me. Makes no difference at all. Window will stop working then, after a short break, start working again. Once or twice it has stopped mid travel (well actually about 1/4 down and always in the same place). I've removed the sheath9ing around the wiring look between main body and door. On a quick inspection they look in good nick. Now going to search on here to see if anyone recorded which colour wire was the window one.

All thoughts welcome. I'll report back with any news.

Aren't Bongos fantastic eh?
Image

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:59 pm
by jaylee
Do you get an occasional buzzing sound with the intermittent window problem?
It's the black wire..
Try where the loom goes into the body, that's where mine went.
Pull the grommet thing out of the panel & slide it along the loom towards the door, the break could be hidden under there..?

I crimp connected (5 amp butt connector methinks?) & shrink wrapped the join, replaced the cable tidy & had no problems since! :wink:

Good luck!

Re: HELP: How do I raise drivers window if the switch fails

Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:31 am
by mikeonb4c
jaylee wrote:Do you get an occasional buzzing sound with the intermittent window problem?
It's the black wire..
Try where the loom goes into the body, that's where mine went.
Pull the grommet thing out of the panel & slide it along the loom towards the door, the break could be hidden under there..?

I crimp connected (5 amp butt connector methinks?) & shrink wrapped the join, replaced the cable tidy & had no problems since! :wink:

Good luck!
Excellent advice and thanks jaylee 8)