964 1990 - How to Change A Fuse!

[indieblackwell]

Just a 1990 964 aqnd found that the electric windows and sunroof do not operate. The garage I bought it from say it is the simple matter of changing a fuse - is this easy would people advise on having this looked at by an expert?

 

[Sean_Jaymo]

The fuse is a very simple job, Even if it looks ok, change it if it is old. They can have hairline fractures which are enough to stop it working even though the fuse looks ok. If the car has little use, then the windows may gum up and require a large initial current to start them, this can fracture fuses if not blow them completely!

 

[indieblackwell]

Thanks this is good to know. This is my first 964 aswell as a car older than 5 years, so need to educate myself on what I can do myself and what I need to take to a garage.

 

[Sean_Jaymo]

Happy to help! The fusebox is under the carpet, above the fuel tank in the front load area. There should be a bit of card in there, If I remember correctly, that tells you which fuse does what.

 

[Steve Brookes]

It's worth noting that some of the fuses are always on a live circuit and therefore you might get a spark when removing/replacing them. As a matter of course I always disconnect the earth lead from the battery first. Also watch out when pulling a fuse, they have a habit of jumping out of the little removal tool and inevitably disappear underneath the fuse tray. Been there and have the T-shirt. [8|]

Sorry if this sounds a bit basic to some but thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[AlphaWhisky]

ORIGINAL: Steve Brookes

It's worth noting that some of the fuses are always on a live circuit and therefore you might get a spark when removing/replacing them.

Unless you've got a dead-as-a-dodo battery like mine that won't charge at all []

Must get it replaced by Thursday at the latest so that I can check everything is running ok and let the DME sort itself out, otherwise it will be the Boxster on Saturday at Silverstone! I've found my 964 can be a little bit like running a vintage light aircraft - niggly things creep in when you least need them.

 

[C2dweller]

I hope the fuse does the trick - but you do have to ask yourself - if it were that easy why didn't the garage replace the fuse???

 

[Sean_Jaymo]

Garages aren't all as intelligent as you may wish to believe.... Some apprentice would look at it quickly (if at all) and think it were ok...

 

[AlphaWhisky]

ORIGINAL: Sean_Jaymo

Garages aren't all as intelligent as you may wish to believe.... Some apprentice would look at it quickly (if at all) and think it were ok...

Sadly you have to question whether that's down to the attitude of youngsters these days, the quality of training, or the quality of apprentices in general, or, a combination of all three?

 

[colin129]

ORIGINAL: Sean_Jaymo

The fuse is a very simple job, Even if it looks ok, change it if it is old. They can have hairline fractures which are enough to stop it working even though the fuse looks ok. If the car has little use, then the windows may gum up and require a large initial current to start them, this can fracture fuses if not blow them completely!

I run my car about once a week and, especially at this time of year, open the windows/sunroof to listen the the engine [8D]

I find that I can't lower the passenger window from the drivers side switch initially, only from the passenger side switch. Once it is freed, I can then use both switches.

Is this normal, its a little bit Twilight Zone ish for my liking [8|]

 

[Sean_Jaymo]

Mine does this and I use the car daily... I'm going to pretend its not a problem until it actually is.

 

[AlphaWhisky]

ORIGINAL: colin129

ORIGINAL: Sean_Jaymo

The fuse is a very simple job, Even if it looks ok, change it if it is old. They can have hairline fractures which are enough to stop it working even though the fuse looks ok. If the car has little use, then the windows may gum up and require a large initial current to start them, this can fracture fuses if not blow them completely!

I run my car about once a week and, especially at this time of year, open the windows/sunroof to listen the the engine [8D]

I find that I can't lower the passenger window from the drivers side switch initially, only from the passenger side switch. Once it is freed, I can then use both switches.

Is this normal, its a little bit Twilight Zone ish for my liking [8|]

.....or it could end up like mine where the passenger window has jammed completely. The motor whines but neither the passenger (or driver side) window switch will open it. It's totally stuck closed. Removal of the door interior required I think. [8|]

Add that one to my list of 'to do'...

 

[j1mw1ll1s]

Here's another twist. My passenger window just stopped working completely, as a result of the (driver's door) switch breaking and sticking 'on'. I assumed the fuse had blown and that there would be separate fuses for each window- but it seems there's only one for both windows. Yet the driver's side window still works fine. Baffled! Any ideas, anyone?!

 

[Steve Brookes]

ORIGINAL: j1mw1ll1s

Here's another twist. My passenger window just stopped working completely, as a result of the (driver's door) switch breaking and sticking 'on'. I assumed the fuse had blown and that there would be separate fuses for each window- but it seems there's only one for both windows. Yet the driver's side window still works fine. Baffled! Any ideas, anyone?!

If the driver's switch for the passenger window stops working then so will the switch on the passenger side i.e. both switches have to be good for the passenger window to operate. Once you replace that broken switch you should be fine.

 

[j1mw1ll1s]

Thanks Steve, that sounds blindingly simple! Will get new switch and report back. Thanks again.

 

[vitesse]

seems to me to be an -open & shut case.[]

 

[j1mw1ll1s]

Dead right. Found an old switch knocking around...bingo! Moral of the story: don't buy aftermarket switches! Thanks, Steve, you saved me time & money.

James

 

[Steve Brookes]

Glad to be of service. []

 

[mcgc0]

Very recently stripped out both doors - really only needed to do driver's side, but you know how it is; 'while I'm about it...'

The scissor mechanism arms are pretty thin, and mine I could see were twisted a bit (easliy done if jammed windows are runninig against the motor momentarilty but frequently). Also the riser rails had rusted through completely - rain water running down the glass and pooling in the rail channel for 20 years - they all do it. End result; glass had fallen down the door!

New riser rails fitted, arms straightened etc.. the window switches though were sticking a bit and some canned compressed air around the switch rocker gaps then a squirt of elctrical contact lubricant in there too and all working great now.

Hoping to send to Amanda my pictorial of my exploits with this..