1986 190e Power window shenanigans

[Martin Joseph]

Hello again!

My car is still purring along, but I have had an annoying issue for a
long time, and seek your advise in trouble shooting it.

My left rear power window sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. Also
on one occasion it only moved down, but wouldn't go up. I include this
just in case it's useful info.

Since I live in Seattle, WA USA it would be nice if I could roll the
window up when I need to ;~)

I have already removed the door interior door panel, and I have cleaned
and changed out the fuse.

Is there a method to the troubleshooting of this situation?

Thanks in advance for all your help and sage advice.

Marty

[Tiger]

Easy fix... You need to remove the seitch from the console and take apart
the swtch and clean all contacts.

If your switch feels less than solid,, then it is possible you got a broken
hinge inside the switch.... with this problem, the performance is erratic.
So while you have it apart... make sure there is no crack on that white long
privot point.

If it is broken, you can buy the rear door single switch, and swap out that
switch button.

[Martin Joseph]

Post by Tiger
Easy fix... You need to remove the seitch from the console and take apart
the swtch and clean all contacts.
If your switch feels less than solid,, then it is possible you got a broken
hinge inside the switch.... with this problem, the performance is erratic.
So while you have it apart... make sure there is no crack on that white long
privot point.
If it is broken, you can buy the rear door single switch, and swap out that
switch button.

OK,

But if it was the console switch, wouldn't the rear door switch still
operate the window (it doesn't)?

I will proceed as you recommend.

Thanks,
marty

[Tiger]

No... it is not a simple wiring. I bought a junker 190E long ago and owner
complained the same thing as you did... I took all the switches out and
tested it on my car... same story/complaint until I cleaned it and replaced
that broken rocker switch and everything is golden again.

[Martin Joseph]

Post by Tiger
No... it is not a simple wiring. I bought a junker 190E long ago and owner
complained the same thing as you did... I took all the switches out and
tested it on my car... same story/complaint until I cleaned it and replaced
that broken rocker switch and everything is golden again.

Ok, well cleaning the switch didn't do it.

Also, somehow the fuse blew. So now, I am guessing it's some kind of
short either in the left rear door or motor.

I will attempt to chase this with a meter and see what I find.

Any other thoughts are welcome.
Thanks,
Marty

[Cordy]

Post by Tiger
No... it is not a simple wiring. I bought a junker 190E long ago and owner
complained the same thing as you did... I took all the switches out and
tested it on my car... same story/complaint until I cleaned it and replaced
that broken rocker switch and everything is golden again.

Ok, well cleaning the switch didn't do it.
Also, somehow the fuse blew. So now, I am guessing it's some kind of
short either in the left rear door or motor.
I will attempt to chase this with a meter and see what I find.
Any other thoughts are welcome.
Thanks,
Marty

I'd suggest to investigate in the area where wires go from door to car
body. Also, check correct grounding (negative contacts). A rusty ground
contact creates unpredictable situations...

[Martin Joseph]

OK,

It took almost a year to get to this, but I can now tell you that
Cordy had the correct answer to my issue.

Eventually the window stopped working entirely, which cause me to hot
wire the motor and close the window. This showed that the motor was
AOK.

Now that it's spring time again, I wasn't looking forward to my kids
(3.5 and 6.5) complaining about being hot and not being able to open
the windows (yes, both of them eventually did this).

So, removing the door panel and the post interior trim exposes the
wiring as it passes into the door. several of these wires where BROKEN
outright (the insulation too).

I ran new wires through the accordion style boot and soldered these at
both ends onto the solid (non flexing) wire, and voila! Windows that
work!

Now my wife wants me to get rid of the car!
We shall see...
Marty

Post by Cordy

Post by Tiger
No... it is not a simple wiring. I bought a junker 190E long ago and owner
complained the same thing as you did... I took all the switches out and
tested it on my car... same story/complaint until I cleaned it and replaced
that broken rocker switch and everything is golden again.

Ok, well cleaning the switch didn't do it.
Also, somehow the fuse blew. So now, I am guessing it's some kind of
short either in the left rear door or motor.
I will attempt to chase this with a meter and see what I find.
Any other thoughts are welcome.
Thanks,
Marty

I'd suggest to investigate in the area where wires go from door to car
body. Also, check correct grounding (negative contacts). A rusty ground
contact creates unpredictable situations...

[Cordy]

OK,
It took almost a year to get to this, but I can now tell you that Cordy
had the correct answer to my issue.

Thumbs up!!!

Now my wife wants me to get rid of the car! We shall see...
Marty

Well, you can always get rid of your wife, instead... :-D

[Ximinez]

Post by Martin Joseph

Post by Tiger
Easy fix... You need to remove the seitch from the console and take apart
the swtch and clean all contacts.
If your switch feels less than solid,, then it is possible you got a broken
hinge inside the switch.... with this problem, the performance is erratic.
So while you have it apart... make sure there is no crack on that white long
privot point.
If it is broken, you can buy the rear door single switch, and swap out that
switch button.

OK,
But if it was the console switch, wouldn't the rear door switch still
operate the window (it doesn't)?
I will proceed as you recommend.

Exchange the left switches with the right ones and you'll soon know if
it's a switch problem. In my experience the problem can also be in the
wiring or in the electric motor.

X.

[Tiger]

Front console left and right switches are not exchangeble... different
pinout. Rear door switches are exchangeble

[Tiger]

Recheck your switches... It is possible you didn't reassemble it correctly
and stuck in on position.

Did new fuse blow?