both front windows stopped working
 

If both front windows died, it's probably the switches right? Thx in advance.

86 190E 2.3-16

If both stopped at once, it's probably NOT the switches. Probably a fuse. Replace the fuse for the power windows, whether it looks OK or not. Sometimes fuses look OK, but the contacts are corroded/dirty, and it stops making contact...That's probably the culprit.

If not, you may have a shorted wire somewhere BEFORE the switches. If the fuse IS actually burned out, and you replace the fuse, and it happens again, DON'T use a larger-amp fuse. Find the short!

Regardless...the odds of both switches going bad at exactly the same time are VERY slim.

Mike

Are your rear windows working?
 

If they are, it is NOT the fuse since they are fused in a x configuration. Front right left rear and left front right rear. Probably you spilled some liquid in the console (not unusual);) .
Just get some contact cleaner and clean the switches. That should solve your problem:) , hopefully.
Good luck!:cool:

Ah, that's true...I forgot that they are wired that way...:)

It's still unusual for two switches to go out simultaneously...

The spill theory is a good one...Spilled any coffee or soda on the console lately?

Mike

No. No spills. How do I get to the switches?

How do I get to the switches? Do I have to rip out the unsightly woodgrain around them? Thanks.

I'm not sure exactly how it works on your car, but on my SD, you take the ashtray out, then take the "frame" for the ashtray out (a couple of screws), then there are a couple more screws down in there, holding the front of the wood down. Once those are removed, the whole wood piece around the gearshift can be lifted. Hopefully yours is similar, if not the same. Just be careful, and don't force it...It's easy to crack the wood, or the plastic backing under it.

Mike

To update, I installed new switches and the front still don't work and the rear continue to work fine. What other things might it be? Wires, motors? Thanks.

ps this is why I prefer hand crank windows!

Meek

See if there's any voltage at the switches. If so, the problem is probably in the doors somewhere.

You have the stick shift right???

In my '88, you take boot loose, use thin blade knife to push spring contact on one side of the switch, and with other hand you should be able to reach back of other spring contact with finger through console and push switch up. I just replaced my pass side console window switch that way. I have the double switch assembly and you may have four individual ones. Never had to pull any thing but boot off to get to these switches.