M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Electrical => Topic started by: MattB30 on July 04, 2010, 01:19:20 PM

Title: Passenger window blowing fuses
Post by: MattB30 on July 04, 2010, 01:19:20 PM

Problem is this: No window problems until a passenger pushed the button above the window switches (on my '91 318is). Blown fuse. Replaced it and windows worked. Then it blew again. And again.... Each time I replace the fuse, the windows are okay for a couple up/downs before it blows again. Seems to blow from operating passenger window only, but not 100% sure of that.

Anybody have any ideas? Door wiring I read might be a problem, or the switches?

Also, now I've got a series of beeps coming from the speakers after I turn off the car/take key out. Didn't happen before I started replacing fuses. Could be something to do with aftermarket stereo previous owner installed?

 I've got the correct 30A fuse in #17.


Thanks M42club!

Title: Passenger window blowing fuses
Post by: DesktopDave on July 04, 2010, 04:23:32 PM

I'd suspect that the button (window breaker switch) is bad.  They can be dismantled but it's like a monkey puzzle in there.  I'll bet Pep Boys or Advance Auto carries a similar part for automotive use.  I'd leave the button there just to keep the car looking OK but put something else there to carry the current.

The door motor might also need lubricated, or the switches are dirty.  Switches are pretty easy...but it's a pig of a job to do the motors.  Let's hope it's a breaker problem.  If it's dirty it will pull too much power and pop the fuse.  The breaker should be popping first though...

Title: Passenger window blowing fuses
Post by: MattB30 on July 05, 2010, 02:39:30 PM

Thanks Dave: to be honest it looks like there is already a non-oem switch in there - it looks stock but it doesn't have the diagram on it. Those breakers seem pretty expensive at around $140 CDN.

Is there any way to check if it is the breaker before I buy the part?

Title: Passenger window blowing fuses
Post by: B318M42W on July 06, 2010, 01:47:17 AM

Open the switch and clean it. pretty sure that it's the problem. It's somwhat an easy job to do.

1 take out switch
2 take 2 fine screwdrivers and seperate both halves. be carefull when opening it not to loose any parts (the buttons are spring loaded and the top half retains them.)
3 take a piece of sandpaper and clean the contacts. (basicly every part that looks burnt)
4 make sure no debris/ dirt is left in the switch
5 put it back together
6 enjoy your ''new'' free switch ;)

Title: Passenger window blowing fuses
Post by: MattB30 on July 06, 2010, 01:00:48 PM

Thanks B318. I'll try that when I get home. Worst that can happen is I have to buy new switches anyway.

Does anybody know how to test the breaker?

Title: front window wont go down
Post by: markfor on August 02, 2010, 02:04:58 AM

H reg 318i 2 door lux

Drivers window wont go down

When I press up switch can hear window motor working (so motor OK?)

When I press down    no noise from motor

Thanks

Title: Passenger window blowing fuses
Post by: locknload on August 05, 2010, 09:52:04 PM

markfor- try swapping the switch with the passenger side.  if the problem moves with the switch it's a bad switch.  If the problem stays with the driver door, bad motor, bad window linkage or bad wiring.

Title: repair to window switch
Post by: markfor on August 10, 2010, 01:26:11 PM

I took switch apart and cleaned contacts reasembled and now it works!!!!

Thanks

Quote from: B318M42W;94313

Open the switch and clean it. pretty sure that it's the problem. It's somwhat an easy job to do.

1 take out switch
2 take 2 fine screwdrivers and seperate both halves. be carefull when opening it not to loose any parts (the buttons are spring loaded and the top half retains them.)
3 take a piece of sandpaper and clean the contacts. (basicly every part that looks burnt)
4 make sure no debris/ dirt is left in the switch
5 put it back together
6 enjoy your ''new'' free switch ;)