Stuck power window
 

Hi,

I have a 1985 190E 2.3-16 with power windows. While driving today I tried to close my window after having opened it completely earlier. But the window wouldn't move when I pressed the button.

I have removed the door panel, and can't see anything wrong. I've measured the voltage (about 9.5V) to the motor as shown in the image below, and I can also hear a clicking sound from the motor when pressing the button.

My first question now is how can I manually close the window? I tried helping the motor by lifting the window and at the same time press the button, but I didn't want to damage anything so I didn't use much force. The window didn't move.

On the image below I've numbered some of the bars in the lifting mechanism. If some of the experts here can tell me if it's safe to manually lift the window by pushing on the right bars, I'd be very happy.


Regards,
Håkon Bertheussen

Check the nylon "glide" (jaw) at the end of strut #2 (in your picture). Yours looks intact (from what I can make out) but it's the most common failure, so I mention it.

Some models (there are even variations within models) have a lower limit stop. If you have one (by the motor gear) it may have loosened.

Check glass (at the forward edge) to make sure it's in the track that's inside the door.

The pulling up on the glass while hitting the switch has helped me out of several off-track/off gear window situations. You can lift on the aluminum bottom rail at the bottom of the glass (#1) with a fair amount of pressure. Watch your fingers! ;)

If the advice from the previous post doesn't work, try my trick. I do it all the time at work to get a customers window up until I can get it fixed.
With the Ign on, hold the window switch in the UP position and at the same time hit the door with a rubber hammer right where the motor is mounted. This is on the 'inside' side of the door of course. If you don't want to try this, take a long bar (the lug wrench maybe) and tap on the motor while holding the switch. Just be careful and don't hit the glass while doing this as the glass may break. Another way that often works is to hold the switch and slam the door very hard. If one of these works, replace the motor ASAP. This trick only works 1 or 2 times.
For others reading this, this only works if there is power to the motor and there is no evidence of mechanical problems.

Thanks for your input!

I tried to slam the door, but that didn't work. Also, the nylon thing seems just fine. Will try the hammer approach later.


Thanks,
Håkon Bertheussen

Pmckechnie, thanks a lot! :)

I used a rubber hammer and managed to get the window moving. It stopped moving when there was still 1/2 inch left, but I managed to help the motor lift the window all the way. As you said, the motor is probably ready for a replacement.