Rear window switch not working
 

Over the last few months my rear window would sometimes get stuck in the down position. After pressing the button a few times it would eventually lift the window. Now the window is in the closed position and will not roll down. I took apart the door, the window regulator looks good. I disconnected the motor from the regulator and the motor will work in the up position but not going down. I tried a new motor and I get the same thing. Motor works going up but not down. I try a new switch, same thing. Fuses look fine. Any suggestions?

I would check the wiring from the switch to the motor.

When you tested the motor, was it attached to the regulator or disconnected? If it wasn't disconnected, I would test it disconnected from the regulator to make sure it's not the regulator binding.

when i tested the motor it was disconnected from the regulator.

The weird thing is that i heard a "click" coming from the glove box fuse box every time i pushed the button for the window up/down. but the motor would only turn on when i pressed the button to close the window.

I will try to take a look at the wiring maybe it is broken somewhere. the rear doors hardly get any use, but who knows maybe the wiring is damaged. ive tried everything else.

When you try to put the window up, are you using the drivers switch or back door switch. If either switch fails the other will not work properly. So the problem may be the rear door switch.

I had a similar problem several years ago - turned out to be the GM3 module. See post #28 on this link: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...stumped-3.html

I stripped some wires on a cigarette lighter adaptor to get 12 volt power and confirmed that the window motor and regulator was fine (if you have already disassembled the door panel it's not hard to supply power directly to the window motor). The link above makes reference to the GM3 module repair service that I used. With rapid turnaround service I think I was without the module for only 3 days or so. Be aware when the module is out of the car the windows, wipers, and remote lock/alarm will not work.

Good luck - hope the above helps.

To make sure I understand what you did - I think you're saying that when you switched motors the window still did not go up/down properly when a switch is activated. I'm suggesting you apply 12 volt current to the motor directly (independent of any switch). If you find the motor goes up and down properly when wired directly, then consider the GM3 module likely has a bad relay in it as the source of your problem.

thanks for the info guys, i will investigate further.

Yes, the motor will only work in the "up" position. I've swapped the rear door switch as well as the motor with the same result. the window will not roll down using the drivers master switch or the switch on the door itself.

I do hear a clicking coming from the fuse box when I press up and down, so it is getting some kind of signal.

this is not an emergency but i will be investigating further to see if i can figure it out. the GM5 might be the culprit. thanks sgrice for the link