1984 318i Windows Problems, can't locate breaker, fuses all good

[thejaredhuang]

Hi,

Both windows were working before however the up function on the drivers window switch physically broke (no spring back when pushed). I was putting in a replacement switch from a later E30 into my 1084 318i. I'm 100% certain I tripped a breaker or fuse when I put the red and brown wires on the wrong post since I heard something click and then neither window switch is getting power from the red wire now.

This was on a coupe, only 2 switches, manual sun roof. I checked #17, #28 fuses both 30A neither blown but I replaced them with new ones anyways. The power antenna for the radio still works so #28 should be fine. I had no relay in K5 but the windows were working before it was missing, either way I swapped K7's relay on and no difference. I also checked every fuse in the box and none are blown.

I don't seem to have a window breaker above the radio or the center console. There is a blank above the radio but it is not a button and neither is it popped out.

I'm pretty much stumped at this point as to where the breaker is or what fuse is blown.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[tomstin]

The wiring diagrams I have all show a circuit breaker. And, if it goes, it doesn't necessarily "pop out". My guess is it is either there or someone pushed it behind the dash not knowing what it did.
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...3o3U9a__8Y5VCM

[thejaredhuang]

The wiring diagrams I have all show a circuit breaker. And, if it goes, it doesn't necessarily "pop out". My guess is it is either there or someone pushed it behind the dash not knowing what it did.
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...3o3U9a__8Y5VCM

So I'm about 95% sure its a solid blank where the breaker is because I don't see any edges, I definitely heard a click so I'm pretty sure something tripped, maybe my breaker is somewhere behind the radio then?

[superj]

it could be

[thejaredhuang]

So to update, I still have the issue. Can't find the circuit breaker. Here are some pics of my dash and under console. I think the previous owner had an alarm installed but either way everything worked before I fiddled with the window switches.

Anyone know where else I should check for the breaker? Some other sites I've seen also say there is a comfort relay that could be faulty as well?

20200823_181840_HDR.jpg20200823_181648_HDR.jpg20200823_181657_HDR.jpg20200823_181835_HDR.jpg

[superj]

it should be behind that blank by the green rear defrost button. someone also changed your turn signal stalk for an aftermarket one, maybe to add cruise control

[thejaredhuang]

it should be behind that blank by the green rear defrost button. someone also changed your turn signal stalk for an aftermarket one, maybe to add cruise control

Thank you for the info on the cruise control, that's probably what one of those boxes in the kick panel is.

So if pop off the blank the breaker might be behind it? Like I said in the OP I did hear a little pop when I originally shorted the wires so hopefully its there. I'll report back at the end of the week.

[superj]

It should be but you could pop all the buttons and blank out if it's not easily visible

[thejaredhuang]

It should be but you could pop all the buttons and blank out if it's not easily visible

Thanks, will update the thread in a week.

[superj]

The box in your second pic, with the fuse in the back by the plugs, is the aftermarket cruise control controller.

You can adjust how quickly it accelerates by rolling the wheel on the end

- - - Updated - - -

Also, if you pop the trim off the radio edge, there is little tiny screws to pop the radio out, one on each side. Then you could pop the radio out to get more room but the buttons on top should give you enough to get one finger in each hole and pull it out. It should fit right into the slot where the blank face is once you are done

[thejaredhuang]

Thanks a ton superj.

[Jeffnhiscars]

My 1st e30 was an 84 318i which I had for 16years (til it got T boned) and it had crank windows so I'm wondering if yours is a retrofit. Either way Id pull out my VOM and start testing and tracing.

[thejaredhuang]

You might be right that I have a retrofit, I attached some more pictures.

Couldn't find the breaker behind the blank on the dash.Last 2 pics are just whats under that kick panel.

20200830_161036_HDR.jpg20200830_161040_HDR.jpg20200830_161055_HDR.jpg20200830_161617_HDR.jpg20200830_161633_HDR.jpg

[superj]

It is aftermarket

[thejaredhuang]

That's kinda good news to me, now I'm not hunting for the circuit breaker. I can probably trace the wires back to an inline fuse or something.

The inline glass fuse holder (black tube) does something with the door locks as I can hear them actuate when I screw and unscrew it.

Thanks for all the help so far, it'll be a month for my next update, I would appreciate any other ideas I should try as well.

[superj]

I would say the control box is the one with the "E" in your other pics. that "E" looks similar to the one on the black button on the door pic

[thejaredhuang]

Ok great, the one that says Electric Life? I just noticed I have 2 inline fuses from the pictures, and I only checked one. I'm hoping the other one is the one I blew.

I think the one that says Type II Electronic PKG is maybe for an aftermarket alarm which this car also has but is semi disabled.

[superj]

One seems to be cruise control and one the windows

[thejaredhuang]

Thanks superj, it was one of the inline fuses. Replaced it and the other working window is back.

Just curious if anyone knows the pinout of this switch? The ones in the car at the moment are the 5 pins that are stacked in a line. I'm pretty sure the pin at the bottom is power/illumination and the middle right is a ground.

[superj]

I don't know it. maybe google to see if something show up online. you used to be able to get the factory electrical manuals to download, free. you could google your year and wiring diagrams and it should pop up. you will have to look through some different search hits to find it though.

your 84 has illuminated switches? someone switched them out because I thought that didn't show up till 87/88

[thejaredhuang]

I decided to retrofit the switch I had with the newer style, partly because I ordered the wrong switch.

The one currently in the car looks similar this:

[superj]

ohhh, ok.

[richardodn]

You can download the manuals from http://wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm

They include diagrams, connector pinouts, etc. Very handy to have.

[thejaredhuang]

Thanks, I believe I have a pinout for it, will test it this weekend and report back.

Edit: Pinout worked, finally have both windows working. Thanks everyone



Top to bottom, left to right
Top: up (blue/black)
2nd row left: ground (brown)
2nd row right: power (red)
3rd row: ground (brown)
bottom: down (blue)