Power windows not working... UPDATED 7/9/05

[uflnuceng]

None of my power things work, except for my power sunroof (I think, haven't tried that one actually in a bit but it was working last time I checked).

None of the windows or mirrors work. THe rear windows didn't work when I had the car. Then the front ones started to get picky about how hard I pressed down on the buttons. The side mirrors did work but now they don't.

I remember reading somewhere to check fuses and wires. None of my fuses are burnt (although I don't know which ones are for the windows, but none of them are burnt out).

Where should I be checking the wires? If I manage to take the door trim off, can I test the motor by connecting it to a 12v power source like a spare battery? Pictures would help if you can find them.

THanks
Jared

UPDATE - 7/9/05

Ok... I can confirm that none of my power features work. Sunroof won't open, power windows won't move, none of my 4 windows will go up or down.

I don't have a voltmeter on me so I wasn't able to check current, but I found that the kill switch (red button) seems to have a bad connection. One of the two wires slips right on and off. Don't know how or when that happened. The little black button (not pictured), I don't know what it is for but toggling it up or down in conjunction with toggling the red button up and down and pressing hard on the loose wire to force a connection seems to do nothing. Can someone explain what my next move should be?

All the switches pulled out and examined:


Red button (fuse switch?):


This wire doesn't seem to be able to make a firm connection:

[rs4pro3]

Ya if you pull the door panel, you can use a battery to supply 12 volts right to the motor.

[Matt86es]

First off, are your switches lit up? There is a breaker type thing that will cause your windows not to work if it is tripped. It is located either next to your hazard switch or on the console near the window switches.

[uflnuceng]

12v as in another car battery or any 12 v battery?

[uflnuceng]

First off, are your switches lit up? There is a breaker type thing that will cause your windows not to work if it is tripped. It is located either next to your hazard switch or on the console near the window switches.

I don't think they are lit up... I'll check. As far as a breaker type thing I'll take a look. Is it like right next to the wires, as in if I follow them I'll find them without having to take anything apart, or is it more involved?

I can't find any schematic at realoem.com

[rs4pro3]

ya 12 volt car battery will do fine, even a lawnmower battery works good. But test for voltage first at the motors. And check the circuit breaker.

[arnoldgtr]

Since you have multiple electrical problems related to the doors, check your door jamb connectors. Water gets in them and corrodes the pins.
Window circuit breaker:

Is it like right next to the wires, as in if I follow them I'll find them without having to take anything apart, or is it more involved?

The circuit breaker is a rectangular black push button, similar to the fog light switch. When it trips, the button pops out. Its location has already been described....early E30's have it above the radio, late E30's have it in the console next to the window switches.
The purpose of the circuit breaker is to stop the window if a body part gets trapped in the window. It needs to be in a handy location to facilitate self extraction from said window.

[kowalski]

huh, i always wonderd why they had window locks right beside the switches, i guess that kinda makes sence in a rare rare ocation that a body part gets stuck out the window when the switch sticks but it is a possability none the less.... i was thinking the same thing tho try the window lock switch. and check the wires under it.

[AndrewBird]

Someone should put their arm in the window and try closing it on themselves. See if it acttually stops before it damages somehting. They should also videotape it and post it on here after they are done. :)

[kowalski]

haha, it sucks my dad did it to me in his 540, when i was like 15 cept he didn't notice and kept going... motors arn't powerfull enough to do damage tho, just cut circulation.

[uflnuceng]

haha, it sucks my dad did it to me in his 540, when i was like 15 cept he didn't notice and kept going... motors arn't powerfull enough to do damage tho, just cut circulation.

owned by a power window... thats pretty funny. I was owned by a car door once when my dad accidentally closed it on my hand. The completely latched closed and everything. I just look up and see my fingers disappear and I realize I can tap on the roof with my fingers. I scream and yell.. dad comes to rescue... I was about 8 or 9 I think.

I always wondered what that button was for. I think I have a good idea now as to where to check, but what tools should I use to check for voltage, etc.? Voltmeter? Some other contraption I don't know about?

Thanks

[Matt86es]

Also, make sure to pull the breaker thinkg out and see if the wires have come off of the back of it. This will cause your windows not to work as well.

[uflnuceng]

Re: Power windows not working... UPDATED 7/9/05

UPDATE - 7/9/05

Bump

[hamann318is]

haha, it sucks my dad did it to me in his 540, when i was like 15 cept he didn't notice and kept going... motors arn't powerfull enough to do damage tho, just cut circulation.

The motors in the E34 M5 will do some damage.

[DEV0 E30]

If the breaker switch isn't plugged in your windows won't operate.
Ask me how I know.
Same if you take out your hazards, your turn singnals won't work.