463 Rear Electric Window failure

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Jdring
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Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
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Hi,

I was driving and thought there was airflow coming from rear left window, and so went to close it fully with the electric window button, and it just dropped 3 inches.  Then wouldn't move.  I tried a few more times and nothing.

Pulled over and cycled ignition.  Tried moving by hand and it dropped to its lowest position.  Then I could hear the motor trying to raise/lower along with a mangling of cables etc..

Sealed up the window with cardboard and tape to continue home.  Looked up the likely issue:

Apparently there is a 'regulator' issue, and also a plastic guide/cable tensioner.

I suspect the cable tensioner on mine gave up, the window dropped to take up the slack and then the cables got mangled.

When I can get in there, I will photograph and see.

So.. question is:  can others confirm this initial diagnosis, and how do I neatly get the door trim off to get to the gubbins in there?

 

markhowes
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Re: 463 Rear Electric Window failure

PM sent.

Jdring
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Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
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Re: 463 Rear Electric Window failure

Thanks for the write up.  Originally from Arnold Fenocchi - so thanks for that, Arnold if you are still around.  It covers the front door panel removal which is a bit easier.  I have attached it here but I can't seem to compare it to the rear because:

There is only one retaining screw and cup washer

There is a large torx screw under the door catch (behind a rubber cover)

The inset panels (brown leatherette/plastic in my case) don't pop off - the handle/arm rest appears to be part of the door panel - now I found the 2 handle Torx T-10 holders, and the whole door panel needs to come off, and there will be a lot of wires involved - courtesy lighting, ash tray light, in addition to the central locking, door close switch and window motor itself.

So I am looking for further instructions and found this youtube: https://youtu.be/Pp2smE4H70c  

But the real find was this one - very visual and complete replacement of the 'window regulator'.  Thanks 'krtlyfe'

https://youtu.be/JawZ2tnJ2-g 

Its a good couple of hours I reckon, so a job for the weekend, when I have the parts.

markhowes
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Re: 463 Rear Electric Window failure

Hi John,

Not sure what vintage G you're looking at. Here's another youtube video - at least this one is dealing with a window regulator on a rear door.

Hope it's of some help:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JawZ2tnJ2-g

 

Jdring
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Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
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Re: 463 Rear Electric Window failure

Yep. That's a good guide.

I have now had a chance to remove all and see if fixable. The steel cable had popped out of its plastic retainer on the top of the lifter-plate - nothing actually broke. And then the loose cable got mangled a bit in its plastic winder.

I could probably just about straighten the wires and re-wind it, and re-fit, but (trust Murphy here) it will likely pop again another time just when you don't need it. So I've ordered the replacement mechanism, minus the motor which is fine for 65GBP PN 4637300746 As found on another GWOA forum post.

I never understand why this mechanical mechanism is called a 'regulator' because to me that sounds electrical. It's the window-lifter or pulley. All the control gubbins for central locking, window opening/closing etc are in the magic box of tricks you attach all the connections to. And that's fine too.

Lastly, the mastic stuff that the vapour barrier sticks to is, well, very sticky. But I managed to remove in one piece. A couple of slits are required to save having to unbundle some wires and thread them through holes.

Jdring
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Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
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Re: 463 Rear Electric Window failure
Ok. Jobs a good 'un Part arrived in 5 days. Apparently from the US Quality good. I struggled to figure out the orientation of the motor back plate, and it was definitely different to the video guide above. But got the lifter in place(regulator) with motor attached and wired back up and the vapour barrier replaced etc. Had checked it all worked before covering up. Some of the door poppets had shattered (3) but enough to hold it firm and the door handle is screw bolted for strength. Took me a while but straight forward.