306 Intermittent fault: Driver's side window switches

Hi all

Most annoying thing - got myself a 1998 Pug 306 on Wednesday, and there's
an intermittent fault already.

The switch unit in the driver's side door - the one with both front
windows and mirrors controls - the window controls seem to work depending
on which way the wind is blowing - i.e. at random.

We've confirmed the mirrors work 100%, as does the passenger window using
his control. Just the drivers side window control that causes problems.

We have prised the unit out, checked for loose connections, unplugged and
re-plugged the wiring block in and it still doesn't want to know.

Indeed, I only got the window back up again a few minutes ago after
shutting the door seemingly in a particular way!

Any ideas? The motor doesn't sound any different to the passenger one, so
perhaps its not that thats tired..?

Thanks,

James

 

It sounds like the same problem I had with mine, one or more of
the wires in the flexible connector between the door and body have
broken.

One thing you can quickly check is whether the switches illuminate
properly. Watch them as you slowly open and close the door, if
the lights flicker on and off, then that is almost certainly
the problem.

You can cut the cable-tie holding the rubber sheath to the door
connector and pull it back to have a look. In my case it was
one of the thicker wires on the outside of the bundle and I was
able to fix it. If it is one of the middle wires you may have to
get a new connector as they are quite difficult to get to.

-Mark

 

Yeh, if you want to do a proper job on it, it requires the entire dash being
pulled out...

But you can get away with doing it on the outside by just taking the door
off...easier in my opinion...

I wouldn't leave it neglected either, as you'll notice other things starting
to go, like central locking etc...

I'm surprised its affected quite a young car though

 

maybe the contacts IN the switch are kaput and a new switch is needed, if
you have checked the contacts to the switches are sound then it could either
be the switch or a break in the wire somewhere.

 

Yup, I forgot to say that my local dealer gave me a quote of 250
quid to do the job.

-Mark

 

I had this problem. Took the switch apart and found the contacts on the
circuit board had corroded over. Used a small flat blade screw driver to
clean the contact points and the window worked fine. The box is not glued
together just clipped. Beware the mirror positon stalk though. The spring
the centralises it can fly out when the switch is taken apart.

I also have the problem with the door loom. Works fine when closed, but
stops when open.

 

Maplin etc sell a fibreglass 'pencil' which is ideal for cleaning contacts
without damage. Give them a squirt of contact grease afterwards to help
prevent further corrosion - a clean and dry one will soon give trouble
again.