I had to give a ride to an obese co-worker the other day because he ran out of gas. He weighs 500 pounds plus. when he was getting out of the car, he leaned his body weight on the passenger side window. the window worked for the rest of the day, but hasn't worked since. I've never had any problems before. What could he have broken? fuse is fine, i can almost hear a whine when I hit the switch to roll down the window. any suggestions for a fix it your-selfer solution?
comprehensive insurance does cover it, but at a high deductable.

 

i sorry but your thread title made me laugh out loud! maybe the window is off the track from the weight.

 

On the one hand... Wow. 500lbs+ passenger in a MINI. Just... Wow.

On the other hand... Wow. 500lbs+ passenger in a MINI? Really? Wow.

 

I usually ask my acquaintances to not lean on the windows, it doesn't seem like a good idea even if they're more svelte that yours.

 

The 500 LB passenger was "svelte," but others might be "more svelte."

My, aren't we nice. You should be in politics.

 

What others said, sounds like the window is off track. That's the whining sound, assuming the whine is when you open and close the window.

I heard it's costly to take the door apart to check things out [and put things back on track.]

Basic question because I don't know. But can someone open and close the window while you are standing over it [with the door open] and you can check to see how the window is tracking?

If it appears to be off track, can you grab the glass and give the thing a tug and pull to see if you can slip things back on track?

What the hell, might as well give it a try since it can't be worse off than it already is.

Bonus Thought: I can't imagine a 500 lb person in my MINI passenger seat. How wide was this person?

Bonus Query: Would it be awkward to approach this person about the issue and asking him to pay up. I know that might make the work relationship a strain, but on the other hand, why has this now become your problem. Of course, maybe we all just have to take the hit as part of our societal obligations, but then again, you were doing a good deed so why should that cost you $500.

Bounus Tip: You can go to that MINI OEM site and see what all is on the inside of that door in terms of wiring, so to get an idea of what you are dealing with. Also, there are some posts in here with pics of the door panels removed.

 

Here's a pic, does not help much, but better than nothing.

 

Thanks, I did mention to him not to put his weight on the window, but he did did it twice as I had to give him a ride to pick up his car as well. Comprehensive insurance does cover things like this, but deductible would be high. I'd like to fix it myself. I've replaced a window motor in a trans am before, so was thinking a small car like the mini would be cake. I fully intend on getting reimbursement from him. good Samaritan is one thing, taking the full brunt of someone else's irresponsible behavior, like leaning on a glass window, is another.
Can my Scanguage tell me if it is a regulator or off track??

 

take it to the dealer, chances are they won't know how or why it happened and consider it a parts failure. i won't tell if you don't.

 

Just pop the door panel off and look. It's either going to be off the track, or the regulator is having issues. Either way you're going to need to remove the door panel so if you're going to DIY.. head out there and pop it off.
No the Scanguage won't tell you if the window reg is shot.

 

Shoulda just called a tow truck....... Not for his car but....

 

What flav said.

 

really..

can we have a ride too ?

LOL

 

Ow! My eyes!

Ban him!

 

Second that....

 

Not nice to make fun of people...Shame on you!

 

Here's a good how to on reconditioning a window motor. As such it would serve
as a good guide to replacing the motor as well if necessary.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...ing-guide.html

 

WVPhoto-yeah, that's about how big the guy is.
Cristo-Awesome write-up link, I think since I can still hear the motor whirring and clicking, this'll get me in there enough to fiddle around and get it working again.
what torx size does it take for the door? 25 or 40?

 

I don't think most people have an understanding of your passenger's size. I know I kinda did, but not really after seeing that pic.

And I mean this in all seriousness, but are other parts of your MINI OK, for example the seat rails? I can't imagine that the seat is meant to hold that much weight. I'd check the seat back too.

And a lesson learned too: Next time this happens to anyone [the good Samaritan part] politely tell the person that you can't accommodate him or her because the MINI is not built to withstand such weights. They will understand because they have to live their lives taking into account where they can and cannot sit, etc. It's really a tough way to live, but that's the way it goes. Lots of people have crosses to bear.

 

Next time, why not just purchase a gas can, fill it up, and take it to the fellow? My passenger window motor failed all on its own and was replaced under warranty. If you are under warranty, just take it in. Good luck!

 

That is a good suggestion. I suspect that the car was at a place where the OP needed the guy to show where the car was and also provide a "taxi" so the guy could drive off in his car.

Maybe I'm off on that assumption, but I also assumed the guy was at work and recruited the OP? I don't think the guy was at his car. He needed a ride to it. But for sure, your suggestion entered my mind too.

No matter, this is a depressing story. What is that saying "no good deed goes unpunished." Something like that. Helps out someone in need and now he has the issues to deal with. And of course this does not even get into questions such as why did the guy run out of fuel in the first place, did he tell the OP he would cover the damage, how much time and effort is the OP having to spend on this matter, etc. A burdensome can of worms all because of this guy running out of fuel.

 

Unless his MINI has a September 2004 or later in-service date, I think his MINI is out of warranty. [See his sig, he has a 2004 MINI.]

 

probably 20 and 30 according to this post inside the one I mentioned above


http://www.z50ak1.com/mini/default.htm

 

I bet the right side of your car looked SLAMMED!!!


Jack