Window switch? (How to make windows raise fully for tinting)

[IMIN]

Can anyone let me know where the switch is that closes the window when the door closes. I need to have the window in the closed position with the door open to fit tinted film. Usually there's a micro-switch activated by the door when it closes to operate interior lights etc. I assume it's the same for the windows, but I can't find it. HELP !
ANT

[tip]

If your window is in the up position when you open your door the window would have dropped about a quarter of an inch for the top of the window to clear the gutter. The dome lite has its own switchs. Look at the dome lite above your head you will see three switches one for each map reading light left and right. plus the dome lite in the middle.
Hope this helps.

Charles.

[gas mark 1]

Hi IMIN,

I think tip has missed your point slightly, but you may find the answer in your owners manual. It mentions that if you lose power (dead or disconnected battery) you have to 're-initialise' your windows so that they drop when you open the door.

Therefore if you disconnect your battery with the door open, then reconnect the battery and then raise the window it will probably go all the way up since it's 'forgotten' when to stop. Does this sound more like it?

You may need to leave the battery disconnected for some time for the window setting to be forgotten and I don't know what other systems will be effected, but it may be worth a try.

[tip]

The original post was not to clear on what IMIN was asking.

Charles

[CurtP]

I thought the question was pretty clear

The MINI doesn't have pin switches in the door jambs like most other cars. The window drop and dome light are controlled by a switch that's built into the door latch. To make the window raise all the way up while the door is open, you'll need to take a round object (like the shaft of a screwdriver or a small diameter bolt) or use your finger (which will get greasy due to all the lube that's on the catch) to close the latch (it rotates upwards). It actually has two positions too -- the first position (first "click") won't cause the window to go back up, so keep pushing the latch upwards until it clicks again. At that point, the window should raise back up and the dome light extinguish.

Another alternative is to remove the door panel so they can go down even further into the door. This is what I normally do when I have the windows tinted because I've had the tint shop damage the weatherstripping when they pushed it downwards with a screwdriver (this wasn't my MCS).

[dco43054]

My Ford Explorer has the same type door switch. Built into the latch. Took me a couple minutes to figure that one out.

Dave

P.S. I got it the first time

[BruceK]

My experience is that the door glass on an opened door with the car running, will automaticially raise to it's highest position (closed position) all by itself after a minute or two.

I discovered this when I sometimes leave my car's door open while I climb out and get the mail from the mailbox. Then when I jump back in the car the door won't shut properly as the window has raised itself. I've got to manually drop the window to shut the door.

[IMIN]

To all,
Thanks for the replies. It's been very helpful.
What I need to be able to do is have the door open, with the window all the way up to apply the window tint. I can't have the engine running continuously to do that. Disconnecting the battery and re-initialising the window afterwards sounds OK - I had to do that on the Range Rover recently when I replaced the battery.
I think first off, I'll try CurtP's idea of jamming the switch closed (now I know where to find it). If that doesn't work it's the battery disconnect trick.
Thanks again to all. I'll post results if I'm successful !!!!
Regards
ANT

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by IMIN
...I can't have the engine running continuously to do that. ...

No need to. Just start the car, open the doors, the windows will drop the 1/4 inch, wait about 2 minutes, the windows will raise back up the 1/4 inch to the full up position, turn the car off, tint away!

[CurtP]

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK
No need to. Just start the car, open the doors, the windows will drop the 1/4 inch, wait about 2 minutes, the windows will raise back up the 1/4 inch to the full up position, turn the car off, tint away!

I tried that on my S, and it didn't work, and I'm not sure it's supposed to either. Sounds like a fault

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by CurtP
I tried that on my S, and it didn't work, and I'm not sure it's supposed to either. Sounds like a fault

Hmmmm....

Well, it's a consistent fault on my car. I don't have much use for it as my windows are already tinted!

[chiph]

Yeah, Bruce. Sounds like a fault. Better have it looked at before you forget to lower the window before closing the door - you'll crack the A-pillar trim.

Chip H.

[Dom]

Take the door card off... you'll get much better access, is easy to do and that's how the professionals do it

[IMIN]

Dom,
Thanks. Question though - with the door trim off, can you get access to the complete glass area without obstruction? I would have thought the lift mechanism might get in the way. Also, it's necessary to "flatten" the trim and get rid of air bubbles, which is much easier to do with the glass up in the light, rather than in the dark of the door recess.
(Unless you mean take the glass out completely?? Which I don't think you do, and I wouldn't relish doing).
I guess if the professionals do it that way, it's the correct and best way.
I think I'll be successful if I can get the glass to stay fully up with the door open.
Thanks again.
ANT

[chiph]

Oh no, another "I removed the glass to put tint on" thread!


Actually, removing the door card (while the window is in the up position) gives you excellent access to the glass. It allows the installer to get the tint material below the gasket without having to use a spatchula or putty knife, which might tear the gasket or tint material.

Chip H.