1988 190E Power Windows – Looking for Circuit Bre
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1988 W201 2.3 8v
1988 190E Power Windows – Looking for Circuit Bre
I'm working through electrical gremlins on my recently purchased 1988 190E 2.3 (US-spec, automatic, blue/blue) and need help narrowing down causes of a total power window failure.
Currently no windows are working. I know I have at least one working motor that will move with direct power (will be confirming status of other motors shortly). The main issues seems to be a circuit break somewhere.
I have confirmed that 12v is present at fuses 7 & 8 and at the R2 relay.
I ran a clean 12V jumper from R2 Pin 87 to switch harness Pin 1. Now all switches have 12V at rest. The break seems to be between R2 and the center console main switch harness.
Where should I look for a break or fault between R2 and the switch harness?
Any known splices, connectors, or joints behind dash or console that fail?
Appreciate any tips, maps, or photos from others who’ve wrestled with their window systems. Doesn't really feel like a functioning car until I can get functioning glass all around.
Thanks in advance!
Potentially related info: When investigating the center console switch harnesses I found that the harness for the hazard switch was partially melted and hazards were non op. The blinkers worked from the stalk though. I have spliced in an oem hazard switch and restored hazards, blinkers are functional as well, but still no window function. So it doesn't seem that the circuit break is related to the hazard switch meltdown.
Currently no windows are working. I know I have at least one working motor that will move with direct power (will be confirming status of other motors shortly). The main issues seems to be a circuit break somewhere.
I have confirmed that 12v is present at fuses 7 & 8 and at the R2 relay.
I ran a clean 12V jumper from R2 Pin 87 to switch harness Pin 1. Now all switches have 12V at rest. The break seems to be between R2 and the center console main switch harness.
Where should I look for a break or fault between R2 and the switch harness?
Any known splices, connectors, or joints behind dash or console that fail?
Appreciate any tips, maps, or photos from others who’ve wrestled with their window systems. Doesn't really feel like a functioning car until I can get functioning glass all around.
Thanks in advance!
Potentially related info: When investigating the center console switch harnesses I found that the harness for the hazard switch was partially melted and hazards were non op. The blinkers worked from the stalk though. I have spliced in an oem hazard switch and restored hazards, blinkers are functional as well, but still no window function. So it doesn't seem that the circuit break is related to the hazard switch meltdown.
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,369
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
190E 2.6L 1989, 190E 2.6L 1988, BMW 535dXdrive 2014, BMW 428i 2015
Do not overlook corroded window switches. At this age, yes all 4 can be non-op. The '88 I've been restoring had 2 non op window switches and 1 other one was intermittent.
I open all open and cleaned them all. All 4 switches are working now. Are the rear switches working at all? Also make sure the child lock is making contact. That also corrodes.
But with all the electrical issues you may have some grounding problems too.
BTW if you are not familiar with these cars, the electrical system is well designed. Electrical problems are not common, except after 40 years, you never know .....
I open all open and cleaned them all. All 4 switches are working now. Are the rear switches working at all? Also make sure the child lock is making contact. That also corrodes.
But with all the electrical issues you may have some grounding problems too.
BTW if you are not familiar with these cars, the electrical system is well designed. Electrical problems are not common, except after 40 years, you never know .....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 195
From: SF Bay Area, CA
190E 2.6L 1989, 190E 2.6L 1988, BMW 535dXdrive 2014, BMW 428i 2015
My pleasure, good luck with the project. Let us know how you are progressing. The burnt out hazard switch is problematic though. That is not a good sign.
Your car must have been in damp environment at some point.
Your car must have been in damp environment at some point.
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