C5 Estate Rear Window Won't Open

[Meta4]

Recently bought an '01 plate C5 estate. Only niggle is the rear window wont open! I guess the switch is under the rubber cover below the wiper assembly - if not, let me know!

 

If that *is* the switch, is it mechanical or electrical? And can I get to anything by removing the inside cover of the tailgate, or is this a dealer-only job?

[shallishanti?]

May not be well documented on this forum but the power to the solenoid is supplied through tracks running left from the wiper mounting along the lower edge and up the left edge to the hinge I believe.

 

The tracks tend to fail where they sit against the rubber window seal.

 

There are 2 solutions (3 including a replacement £400 window).

 

You can open the window by removing the interior trim of the tailgate and pulling the solenoid down. You can then check for bad tracks on the window with a meter and when you find the breaks paint over them with a HRW repair paint. Comma sell one for a few quid. This probably won't last forever.

 

Alternatively you can run an extra wire from the HRW supply plug to the power connection at the bottom of the glass. These are all hidden until you take the trims off.

 

Or, like me, live with it.

 

I have a document somewhere detailing all this, that I lifted from another website. I can mail it to you if want it.

[Johndouglas]

Foir a detailed repair description have a look at the pdf at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/C5-L/files/

[Meta4]

Foir a detailed repair description have a look at the pdf at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/C5-L/files/

 

Thanks to both of you for the replies, I'll join that Yahoo group so I can see that PDF, and spend some time over the weekend pulling my tailgate apart I guess.

 

Thanks again

[Big_Dooley]

Thanks to both of you for the replies, I'll join that Yahoo group so I can see that PDF, and spend some time over the weekend pulling my tailgate apart I guess.

 

Thanks again

 

I suggest you search for similar posts on this forum - can't find the one at the moment, but someone else posted a much simpler way of fixing this without undoing all the torx bolts etc, but only removing the interior panel and running 1 cable.

 

I followed this myself last week, and it was definitely simpler than the instructions on yahoo.

[Randombloke]

I suggest you search for similar posts on this forum - can't find the one at the moment, but someone else posted a much simpler way of fixing this without undoing all the torx bolts etc, but only removing the interior panel and running 1 cable.

 

I followed this myself last week, and it was definitely simpler than the instructions on yahoo.

 

Hi guys,

 

The thread is here. I will now post some additional info as I have also done the same job.

 

Summary of instructions for fixing non opening rear window.

 

On a related note, all the C5s I looked at with the intention of buying (51 to 03) last year all had this fault.

 

The problem also exists because most people do not know (or want to deny a fault) that the rear window opens separate from the rest of the boot.

 

I have just got mine going now. Thanks to eaabos and the Yahoo C5 list. I will post techie info in that thread. Maybe a moderator can merge both threads.

[Meta4]

OK, yesterday I found time to strip the tailgate lining, and get the tailgate window open, but I fell at the first hurdle. I put a multimeter on the solder pads and there is no short when I press the switch. I even managed to unplug the switch from its connector and test there. I have a faulty switch. Try as I might I cant see any way of unclipping the cover of the switch housing around the rear wiper assembly. Any clues?

 

Thanks.

[Randombloke]

Try as I might I cant see any way of unclipping the cover of the switch housing around the rear wiper assembly. Any clues?

 

Yes. On my car you simply grasp the back part of the plastic cover behind the button (the rearmost part of the whole assembly), and carefully wiggle. The large plastic upside down U that covers the back of the switch and the bolt for the wiper arm simply slides off, and the switch is ready to be carefully unclipped.

 

I can take some pics Friday if you are stuck. PM me to remind me if you are.