348 More 348 window weirdness

Some background: I read most of the (many!) threads posted in this forum discussing windows issues - from no response when pushing the button, to slow response and most problems in between. Also, I am quite aware of the issues associated with problematic multi-pin plug.

After one year of ownership with zero window issues - in fact the windows in my car would roll up and down at a very acceptable speed - suddenly both left and right window quit operating. The odd part is that when I try to push any window button (on left or right door) I hear the noise as of the door locks want to activate but can't.

The above happens with all doors closed. When opening the driver door I get the right-side wind to operate *sporadically* and every 20 tries the left window will also operate, albeit at a ridiculously slow speed. Also, on the driver door the window button is no longer illuminated.

I checked the multi-pin plug carefully but nothing seems amiss.

Any thoughts?

 

I agree with you: the multi-pin plug is highly suspect. I will check voltage tomorrow and will report back - making dinner now

Also, I did a repair to the white/red wire pin (L.H. window control) in the plug a few months back that I want to check on, as it seems it could be the source of this issue.

Lastly, I can confirm that the door lock mechanism is being activated as I try to use the window buttons, for I can see the door pins shudder and I can hear it trying to lock the doors (unsuccessfully) when I put my ear next to it.

 

As suggested, the round plug was the issue. Pin 15 did produce 12V; jiggling the white/red wire (L.H. window control) allowed the left window to go up and down at usual speed but when left untouched the same problem occurred - including the door locks attempting to activate but without actually locking

I have already proceeded to order a bag of replacement pins from DigiKey (1-66360-0-ND CONN SOCKET 14-18AWG TIN CRIMP) and plan to remove the strakes to access the wire bundle and make the repair. I figured this is going to happen again in the future, hence the "bag of pins". I know that doing away with the multi-pin plug would be the ultimate solution but at this point I'll just replace the problem pin.

Thanks for the help!

 

Closing the loop: after replacing the damaged pins in the round door plug I could get the windows to raise and lower but - try as I might - couldn't get them to do so at the very acceptable speed they did before this issue occurred. They did work but somehow were both slow as molasses.

As a solution I decided to install a pair of windows accelerators. Rather than buying the commercially available solution available, among others, at Superformance I made my own following these detailed instructions. Worked perfectly. They both now race up and down like they are being chased by the devil.

If any of you 348 owners out there are experiencing the "slow window blues", this is The Fix. Easy, inexpensive and 100% effective. Just takes some time to disassemble and re-assemble door strakes and some interior door panels. East-peasy.