Window Problem

[andypysiu]

Hi everyone,

My car is a 1986 325e, and after it had been sitting in my yard for 5 months, the passenger side window stopped working.
Nothing happens when I press the button.

First, I thought it must be the switch! so I plugged it into the driver side, but it worked.

Then, maybe it was the motor? So I pulled the motor out and jumped it with the battery, but it worked.

So..... maybe no power going through to the motor? I used a multimeter and tested the window plug, but I got about 10volts out of it when pressing down the window button.

FXXXXXXXXXXXXXK :curse:

So the switch is fine, the motor is fine, and there is power coming out from the harness....

Anybody has any idea?

[jeffnhiscars]

The connector by the hinges is corroded. I'm taking mine apart tomorrow to clean it since I'm tired of getting out to jiggle the connector

[andypysiu]

The connector by the hinges is corroded.

But I tested the connector in the door, and there was voltage going through when I pressed the window switch. I even used sandpaper to clean both door and window motor connectors to make sure the connection is good. This is why I am so lost.

Again, I have
1) good window switch,
2) good motor,
3) electricity

:SOS::SOS::SOS::SOS:

[jeffnhiscars]

Did you check for voltage at the door connector when apart and at the motor with the door connector assembled ? btw 10v is low.

The other possibility is a binding or sticky regulator. Try helping the window get started.

[jlevie]

Seeing only 10v at the door side of the connector indicates a high resistance between that point and the switch or a high resistance ground. Finding and fixing that should be the first priority.

The factory ETM (http://wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm) will be helpful.

[andypysiu]

The other possibility is a binding or sticky regulator. Try helping the window get started.

I took the motor out of the regulator when I tested it.

So what voltage is it supposed to get out of the connector?

[jeffnhiscars]

A properly functioning alternator will put out 13.8v and most acccessories will read above 12 so at 10v you are not getting enough. Follow Jims guidance.

It's also possible that your window motor is weak so it will work on the bench but not have enough oomph to move the window. I'd compare it to another working window and again, a binding or sticky mechanism could be contributing to the problem