QuestionHi,
I've read all of your response and it has been very helpful for me. So, I hope you can help me with my question below.
I own a 97 Discovery SE for about 1 1/2 year now and it has 97,000 miles. A couple days ago, my passenger side window rolled down and just decided to not roll back up. We took down the door and checked the motor (using the driver side door) and it works.. I'm thinking it might be the wire/ control button.. Do I need to get the wires checked or how can I get it fixed that won't cost me big $$. Also, my car is not spraying any windshield fluid out (both in the front and the back window).. I thought it was plugged but when I push to spray the washer fluid, it sounds like it's coming but doesn't (It also drains out the washer fluid too, but I don't know where it goes)
PLEASE HELP!
AnswerHi Pa,
regarding your passenger window problem, if you're certain that the motor is working just fine, I'd consider checking out the window switch. I believe you can swap one switch for another and see if it makes a difference. When you swap (let's say) the driver's window switch with the passenger window switch, make sure both window's work. This will test not only the switch on a working window, it will isolate the problem to either the switch on the passenger side OR the wiring to the window multi-function unit (MFU).
So,
swap the passenger switch over to the driver's side and the driver's switch to the passenger side. Test the windows, if the passenger side works and the driver's side does not, its the switch. If both sides work, it could be the switch (we say: don't look a gift-horse in the mouth) but leave things be and accept that both windows are working. IF neither window works, it could be the switch AND the wiring leading to the window MFU. IF the driver's side work and the passenger side does not, you now have to delve into the MFU and the corresponding wiring. At this point, I'd save my time and temper and go to the dealer or someone who's very familiar with LR lucas electronics.
As for the washer fluid pump, you can run a test by attaching tubing and by-passing the connection to the windshield. You simply detach the outgoing hose from the reservoir and attach your test tubing in its place. If you get a strong spray, then you know you've got a leak or a blockage somewhere along the line before it reaches your windshield. Most auto parts shops have replacement tubing and you simply cut and splice the new tubing to make the whole system work. There are inserts that connect the two ends of the new tubing. Same with the front lamp spray. Make sure the pump is capable of spray cleaning the lights up front. From where I'm sitting, it sounds like EITHER the tubing is blocked near the reservoir (hence no fluid to the front or rear) OR the pump itself is not capable of sending the fluid.
Both the problem's you mentioned can be done without the need for a dealer. Its a matter of careful planning and your availabilty. Its time consuming to track down the electrical problem (I hate electrical problems) but the washer fluid problem seems easier of the two. Consider tackling that problem first to give you winning momentum when you move into the abyss of Lucas electronics.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
NB: Pa, you may want to take your Disco to an auto electrician and have them rewire the windows away from the ECU (or MFU). This window problem has been around since my '95 and I've seen it almost all models up to 2004. An electrician would by-pass the window's central control unit and allow you to use the windows anytime you want (ignition on or off). It could be wired such that you'd never have to rely upon anything other than the window switch and the battery (as it should be).
Just thought you'd like to know this,
JohnMc.
