Passenger side window could not close

[Anders Dinsen]

When I drove the Espace home from the mechanic after the engine job, I found that the passenger side window couldn't close! I drove home with it open all the way 

At home, I tried to find out what was wrong, but ended up powering the window motor directly on the switch connector to close the window. At least, I knew that the motor was all right...

Initially, I thought the passenger side switch was to blame, and took it apart and bent the terminals so it could act as a bypass connector, still allowing the window to be operated from the driver's side. But when that didn't help, I checked the other switch, and found out that it was probably the defective part! So two new switches ordered from my regular Renault parts source.

They arrived yesterday, and I fitted them last evening. Alas, the problem was still the same: The window would wind down - NOT up.

It turned out the drivers side door wiring connector had a defective terminal:



And more, the insulation was also broken on two wires:



Apparantly, the wires and the connector pin have been damaged by opening and closing of the door, and since the wires run loose inside the rubber hose, they have been able to move freely back and forth, rubbin the insulation apart, and eventually breaking the connector pin.

This is where it may become relevant to others here on the forum, my car can't be the only one suffering from this problem.

Solution?

Well... nails are handy for all sorts of jobs, aren't they? (look below the grey wire)



I simply pushed a shortened nail into the connector, forming contact between the broken off wire and the remaining end of the connector pin. After taking the above photo, I wrapped it all well in insulation tape to keep the nail in and the wires from moving too much. I hope it will stay in now.

I'm going to look for a new (used?) wiring loom for the door now, unless I can find new connector pins for this particular connector, but Renault usually prefers to sell completely looms, so I'm not optimistic. But the window is working again now!

/Anders

[renaultbiler]

I am quite sure you can buy these connectors separate - i did that when i renewed the fuse box and connectors on our old J637. I think they where 10 pc in each plastic bag then, but anyways they should be able to buy! Only thing is that they require a special press tool to fix it like it is supposed to be, but as you know it can be done with a normal press tool and perhaps some soldering.

[Anders Dinsen]

It's been a while. Not surprising, my simple fix wasn't reliable.

I am quite sure you can buy these connectors separate - i did that when i renewed the fuse box and connectors on our old J637. I think they where 10 pc in each plastic bag then, but anyways they should be able to buy! Only thing is that they require a special press tool to fix it like it is supposed to be, but as you know it can be done with a normal press tool and perhaps some soldering.

I have tried - Renault does not stock them. Only the complete cable loom, which is horrendously expensive. I might be able to find compatible ones, but I decided to fix it by soldering a new piece of wire on the remaining part of the contact.

Fortunately there was enough left on the contact to solder on. I think it will be fairly reliable. That was then joined with the old wire:



If I find the time, I'll traverse RS Components' catalogue to try to find some matching new pins for the connector housings.
I should have taken measurements, but forgot 

/Anders

[Sommerby]

Hi Anders. Just to let you know. I have also had similar problems with broken wires due to door movements. In my case I found out just by luck that the left rear door did not lock (Only good knows how long time this error has been there).  I also cured the problem by means of soldering.

[renaultbiler]

Just a tip for later "events"..

The other day i was visiting a local Wurth shop and found they had a display board packed with different automotive pins and connectors - and i am sure i recognized some of them
They only sold them in boxes a 100 pc or so but they arent that expencive.
So if nothing else helps on repairing connectors here or there it might be worth a try.

[Anders Dinsen]

Just a tip for later "events"..

Events of this kind will happen, so I'll keep an eye for this. Thanks for the tip, Tom!

[Anders Dinsen]

About a week ago, we noticed the rear drivers side door did not lock. Here's why!

I have now fixed it by soldering in an extra piece of wire, putting a cable tie around the cable, and wrapping the bundle of wires in tape. I hope it lasts a long time

/Anders

[2cv]

Hi Anders

Try the link below he might have what you are looking for.

Lars

http://stores.ebay.de/FHK-MOTORS-Teile-Shop?_trksid=p4340.l2563

[mawds]

Just to add to this, when I bought mine the offside passenger window wouldn't operate and the door wouldnt lock. Same thing multiple wires broken due to the flexing. I pulled the loom out of the door and soldered them all up and heatshrunk them. The trouble is the wiring is old and stiff now so is prone to cracking and it went again. If I was to do it again I would pull the loom and one by one ut the wires back almost to the connector, cut off 100-150mm (ensure any potential bad bits have gone) of the loom and replace with a flexible silicone insulated type wire. Heatshring all joints but not too long heatshrink is not that flexible and don't use loads of insulation tape as that will also cause break points elsewhere by stiffening the wire.

[mhi]

I have had a door lock fail because one wire in the door hinge area had broken. It took a while to find, but was cheap to fix with two solder joints and a short length of new wire.