Windows...Why Won't You Work?!
 

Last fall it was the passenger window...it just stopped working one day. You could hear clicking when pressing the toggle, but nothing came from it. So, my mechanic friend took the motor apart and replaced the worn brushes inside (the dealer wanted to charge me $500 for a new motor. Hmmm, nope...). It was working great after that! A few days ago, the same issue with the driver window. And just yesterday, the passenger window stopped working. What gives?! Also note: yesterday, the stereo wouldn't turn on. I turned the car on and off and it still didn't work. Today its fine. A few times I have turned over the car and the lights (both inside and out) wouldn't work. Its quite apparent that my MINI is haunted. OOOOOOOOooooo.

Window Inop
 

Hi-I missed what year your car is, but on 2002-2004 I can usually get them to work with the following trick: Have the key on in the "accessory" position, so everything is getting power but the car is not running. Then, with one hand, click the toggle switch for the window up and down quickly, while, at the same time- make your other hand into a fist, and bang on the door panel right where the motor is located. It is in the area in front of the "oval" part on the door panel, and just under the interior door handle. Try this with the door open, or shut. Will usually work better when door is shut, but I have had to try both ways before. I have heard this referred to as "The Fonzie Fix" Good luck, from Jennifer

Its a 2003, I'm going out into the garage right now to see if it'll work! aaaaaaaaye!

...no dice.

Thanks Scatmini. I've had this same problem for about a week now. I used the Fonzie Fix as you recommend. I had to hammer right below the door handle, but after approx 30 seconds effort - success!

My 5-year old and I applied the Fonzie Fix together tonight. She flipped the toggle switch while I pounded on the door. It took about about a dozen solid whacks but started working like a champ again. I really wasn't looking forward to tearing it apart and purchasing parts, if needed.

You guys know that beating on something to fix it only delays the inevitable? All you're doing is jarring the motor past a small dead spot. The dead spot will get larger as the motor is used and eventually will get so big that no amount of pounding will get past it. Meanwhile, all that pounding could damage other parts of the window mechanism, resulting in a repair that costs more.

My suggestion is to use the "Fonzie Fix" while saving up for a new motor.

fonzie fix
 

Well it worked temporarily I guess. :confused:

FYI, I just replaced both the window regulator (lift mechanism) and the motor when mine stopped working. In hindsight, in my case it was only the motor that needed to be replaced. I saw today (7-27-09) that there was a used motor for sale on eBay for $.99 from another person who replaced a working motor, but only needed the regulator! Dang - I could have saved over $100!

How difficult was it to replace this? My dealership told me that I need a new window regulator. Could you give me some hints as to how to replace this myself?

Just an FYI.. Mini has a new bulletin that just came out a month ago, more troubleshooting and if needed, they will put a new more module... But just an FYI.. this update also checks other factory installed software/hardware and if it has been replaced. They have no work around to fix the windows.. My issue is my stereo amp.. I need to install factory amp before my windows can be installed.. It appears there is no manual bypass to pass the checking of the stereo amp so the update can continue and fix the window issues....