Driver's window only works with door open

[K20RI_211]

Hi guys,

My E30 has developed a new quirk, which is that the driver's side window will only function when the door is open to the point that it activates the chiming sound.

Now, I know the fuses have been the cause of this issue in the past, but my fuses are fine. I switched all of them around to no avail.

Any other ideas what could cause the power window to only work when the door is open to that point? Switch works fine as well. I know the door being open/door being closed represents different circuits, but I'm not sure where to look next now that I know the fuses are fine.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Komzorz]

Crazy, I have the exact opposite problem.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Sounds like there must be some damage to the harness where it enters the door, or a short related to the door switch.

[FLG]

Theres a connection from the door to the car, remove the rubber cover and pull the plug, clean and inspect all connections and reinstall.

[Berkut]

Check the door switch, it's bound to be some connection issue there.
I've had that issue before, but don't really remember how I fixed it.

I think the issue was that closing the door was grounding the power to the switches, are your window switches illuminated when you have the doors closed?

[e30construction]

i have an issue with my window sometimes..sometimes it will only work if i push the passenger window button

[K20RI_211]

Check the door switch, it's bound to be some connection issue there.
I've had that issue before, but don't really remember how I fixed it.

I think the issue was that closing the door was grounding the power to the switches, are your window switches illuminated when you have the doors closed?

Window switches are still illuminated, though I know one of the two burned out a few months ago. Not sure which one, but I did replace the button that actives the passenger dome light around the same time and all works well.

I'll pull apart the harness as well, but does that tiny button - the one that actives the light and the chime - play a role here?

[Berkut]

Window switches are still illuminated, though I know one of the two burned out a few months ago. Not sure which one, but I did replace the button that actives the passenger dome light around the same time and all works well.

I'll pull apart the harness as well, but does that tiny button - the one that actives the light and the chime - play a role here?

I'm pretty sure it did in mine, if I remember it correctly it was connected to a relay in the steering column and it interfered with the power window button feed, but they weren't lighting up.
However, that was a such an electrical clusterfuck that I forgot half the electrical problems I solved.

But it's actually the only bit that will change state when you open the door if your wiring isn't short circuiting, so I would look there first.

[jrobie79]

the lights don't light up on my window switches and my windows work fine. check that harness, its either cracked and only making connection with pressure, or the female/male plugs are corroded. Toothbrush and some electrical cleaner

[K20RI_211]

the lights don't light up on my window switches and my windows work fine. check that harness, its either cracked and only making connection with pressure, or the female/male plugs are corroded. Toothbrush and some electrical cleaner

Cool - thanks!

Off-topic, but the snow tires I bought from you worked out great.