Window up or down

Bagpiper · Motorist

Window up or down

Mitch · Motorer

I read on NAM about this and it sounds like it is a software issue.

So I would reset the ECU. If you haven't done this recently you are in for some fun driving especially after 7 years. Resetting the ECU put every "learned" adjustment that the car has made back to default. When I did this I gain a lot of "fun" factor as it is relearning while I am city driving and not highway driving. I would guess this would also reset the window system that probably causing you trouble.

If someone knows differently please correct me I am still learning about the MINI and how to keep it happy!

Steps to reset ECU on 1st gen. Taken from NAM (click to go to the original post)

1. With the key in the ignition, but in the off position, press and hold down the odometer reset button with one hand, while holding the button down, switch the key in the ignition to position 1 (first click) with the other hand.

2. The screen will have a number and the word tESt.
Scroll through the numbers by pressing the odometer rest button, through to 19 and wait a moment. (Note: the number order is: 1,2,10,19)

3. The message will say 19 "L i-off", flash to "L i-on", and back to "L i-off" again. When "log i-off" appears, press the odometer rest button again. You are now in the system.

4. Scroll through to 21. tESt and wait a moment. 21.0 rESEt will come up. Press the button once.
Your gauges will now make some sounds and movements. Once the lights come back on start your car.

You have now reset your ECU and your MINI is now ready to relearn the new mods and your driving style.

-- Edited by Mitch at 12:07, 2009-02-26

TOWNEMINI · Towne MINI - Official

I believe your vehicle is a 2002, the software will only work on the 07' and newer MINI's... and thats if the issue pertains to the software update. Your vehicle sounds like the window motor brushes may be shorting out, the next time it happens try to give the door panel a swift hit, while holding the window switch up/down, next to the large speaker in the lower panel. If it starts to work again you need a new window motor.

Mitch · Motorer

Just to clear up what Mark said. The software update is something the dealer does because of issues with the window software on the second generation, right? The ECU reset is something that can be done on the first gen, this must be true because I have a 2005.

Regardless Mark knows far more than I do so I would be willing to bet he has the solution.

TOWNEMINI · Towne MINI - Official

When talking windows, the only time software may have an influence over operation would be on the 07' and newer hard tops. Prior to that, the ECU procedure should not influence operation, but the ECU procedure you mentioned is a valid diagnostic tool for the 02-06 hard tops.

Again, when the 02-06 hard tops have interm operation, i would more often than not say it is in the motor, and a swift hit of the door panel or even exiting the vehicle and closing the door too hard can regain operation from time to time. It is not a fix though, it may continue working for a while but will stop again at some point.

Mitch · Motorer

Very interesting and good to know. I have a related question. My passenger side window seems to be about 5-10 sec slower at raising or lowering than the driver side when I flip both switches at the same time, or when I use the key fob to open. Is this something I should be concerned about? Also the passenger side window use to squeak when moving it currently doesn't while it is cold.

Bagpiper · Motorist

THANKS Mark for the information...... aww

Next time I'm at Towne I'll look into getting a new motor for the window.

yellowmininy · Obsessed (Taking the long-cut)

Mine works most of the winter, but not when the weather gets warm (passenger side window). Sometimes holding the toggle switch in the up position for more than 10 sec will get it to work. I haven't really tried banging on it yet, but I might try it on a hot day. :) I find the days when I've had it in the parking lot at work in full sun for 8 hours is the time when it is most likely to fail.

TOWNEMINI · Towne MINI - Official

The hot days is one thing i hear often when we have to replace the motors, not that its a regular repair. Acutally i havent replaced a motor in atleast two months.

As for slower operation, the window tracks may need to be cleaned/lubricated. I wouldnt worry about it, but the next time you come in list it as a complaint.

Mitch · Motorer

Ok thanks for the tip will do next time!

Charva · Motorist

I used to have window/door issues on my old '03 but not with the '06 or '09,

Dave