I have managed with some help from the people in this forum to repair the heater in my VW Passat (see old threads for info), but would like to sort out the other electrical faults such as window switches not working and intermittent functioning of other electrical components. Would an auto-electrican be a good first port of call? Or shall i get a Haynes manual?
cheers
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have you done the basic stuff of cleaning contacts, dismantling teh switches and cleaning etc. etc ?
These switches all build up little bits of carbon on the contacts which eventually stop them working.
If no, that would be your first stop.
If yes, then an auto-electrician would be next.
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Haynes is agood start along with an AVO meter
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Agreed, George Washington!
martin, first check the fuse (damn obvious, but you'd be surprised...) test for power in to motors (normally there is a plug connection for window motors inside the door panel.) if the motors aren't working, even with power going in, they might be jammed, so the old glass-against-the-metalwork trick will see if they are trying to work.
Occasionally, lowering the window by hand (some cars have an allen key slot on the motor hub) helps, then just clean/lube the runners.
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An AVO meter is a bit expensive and over the top really for car work, you would be better with a digital multi-meter, which cost £10-15.
Mike
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have you tried fitting a battery from a lada, as they are more reliable than vw ones, also maybe change the screenwash just in case.
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who are you, stop using my name.
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I don't know who you are, but I agree with you on the screenwash idea.
Could all cache.pol.uk users please stand up - I think we are on to something here ...
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I think I'm losing my grip on reality here. What's screenwash got to do with it? Since when did Lada make batteries? How many Lada Riva owners are out there? Help!
(WRT the original question, the Haynes manual will give you a circuit diagram of a sort, but probably won't help much otherwise)
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Martin,
FYI
Lada Riva Owner wrote:
"i havent a clue, i dont know much about the mechanics of cars, but i just thought i would say about changing the switch because it sounded good. stupid idiot over and out."
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Haynes manual circuit diagrams are very difficult to read. I have always found it helpful to write out my own diagrams, with simple words like 'red' or 'thick wire' or 'relay', as I gradually piece together in my mind where everything goes and what it does.
It helps in sorting out the problem in the first instance, and is invaluable if you ever have to do it again.
Also Haynes manuals do not actually explain where the bits are on the car.
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The Haynes manuals I used, the wiring diargams were in black and white with colours names written in.
I used to colour in the wires on the diagram as I found them. Worked for me.
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The problem on my VW has been the circular connectors where wires pass through the B-pillars. This has given problems with one rear window and both rear speakers. The connections just need cleaning, or better still, soldering; the trouble is you need to remove a fair bit of interior trim to get to both sides.
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PS The Haynes manual for my model (Golf III) is chocolate teapot-like in its usefulness - not even a circuit diagram for the windows
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Like others have said here, the Haynes wiring diagrams are difficult to read and, in my experience, not always accurate.
My local Audi dealer will give me print-outs of the wiring looms from the parts computer list, and these show the shape of the loom, branches and the approximate location, which can help a lot when used in conjunction with the Haynes manual. Why not ask your local VW dealer?
I use an AVO (which shows my age), but a digital multi-meter will be much cheaper!
(Some specialists spares suppliers also have pirated ETKA (?EKTA? I can't remember...) - this is VW/Audis parts books on computer). (Andy B. should know what ETKA means - is it Elektronische Teile Kaput Anleger?)
Martin.
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