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[Lizzie Zoom]

My rear window blind, that I retrofitted over two years ago, has suddenly stopped working, just as I need it.  It was working two months ago!!

This morning I have checked the fuse and the wiring connections back to the electric motor.  Power is getting through to there, so is it common for these electric blinds to stop working? Any recommendations please?

Do not really want to have the rear parcel shelf out again.................but, if I have to..........


None of my previous ones stopped working!

[VXL V6]

Does it just click when you press the button?

Common problem i'm afraid, had four different ones do it but managed to get them working for another 12 months or so... then they break again and the process repeats!

[Lizzie Zoom]

Does it just click when you press the button?

Common problem i'm afraid, had four different ones do it but managed to get them working for another 12 months or so... then they break again and the process repeats!

No.  No click, nothing I'm afraid.

I did wonder if this is an age thing with these units that are at least 16 years old, and they sit in a fairly hostile environment under the back shelf that can get very hot in the summer.

[VXL V6]

They died within a couple of years when new. You need to check over the motor and mechanism carefully.

The pre-facelift ones are slightly more robust than the facelift ones for some unknown reason although the one I have here is black rather than anthracite and has a different material / design to the blind itself.

Incidently, if you remove the shelf from the car, try powering it out of the car and see if it springs to life.....

[Lizzie Zoom]

They died within a couple of years when new. You need to check over the motor and mechanism carefully.

The pre-facelift ones are slightly more robust than the facelift ones for some unknown reason although the one I have here is black rather than anthracite and has a different material / design to the blind itself.

Incidently, if you remove the shelf from the car, try powering it out of the car and see if it springs to life.....

Is the motor the same and can it be fitted to my existing facelift blind?  If so, is it for sale?

[Diamond Black Geezer]

I cant say for certain, I'm clutching at straws, but if its found to be the motor, surely most electric motors have their specs written on them, and replacements can be sourced, it doesn't have to be a 'vauxhall' motor, if you follow? I don't know, because I've never had one apart to that extent, but id assume this to be the case.

[Lizzie Zoom]

I cant say for certain, I'm clutching at straws, but if its found to be the motor, surely most electric motors have their specs written on them, and replacements can be sourced, it doesn't have to be a 'vauxhall' motor, if you follow? I don't know, because I've never had one apart to that extent, but id assume this to be the case.

That's a thought!  

Has anyone any knowledge of suitable auto electric motors that would be the same as the ones fitted to our F/L Omega's? electric blinds

[Andy B]

When the blind packed in on my MFL it came back to life again simply by helping the motor spin  ..... there was just enough spindle sticking out of the motor to get hold of.
It was very rare my blind was ever lowered ..... usually by SWMBO as she complained she could see to reverse with it raised.

[Lizzie Zoom]

When the blind packed in on my MFL it came back to life again simply by helping the motor spin ..... there was just enough spindle sticking out of the motor to get hold of.
It was very rare my blind was ever lowered ..... usually by SWMBO as she complained she could see to reverse with it raised.

Ah, that's interesting.  Give it a helping hand?  I may well try that.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Sadly I think best bet, whatever happens is to pop it out and have a play, much as its annoying to have to. 

[amba]

Hi Lizzie.

Have you unplugged the black connecter in the n/s back wheel arch and double checked you are getting power to that .?

I had a similar issue with mine as they tend to go "lazy" if not used for long periods and a light tap on the motor body may spring it back to life assuming you are getting power to the motor.Also try helping the blind up by hand whilst pushing the button is it may of just got stuck in the rails .Then wil need a very light lubrication with some silicone spray but go gentle as you don't want to apply too much .

If all else fails only real solution is to remove the entire unit and strip the motor down ,but a replacement motor would be quicker,although finding one could be a challenge.

[amba]

Actually 1 for sale on Fleabay….323847669514...might be a quicker option if you could arrange courier or OFF Pony Express.!!

[Lizzie Zoom]

Hi Lizzie.

Have you unplugged the black connecter in the n/s back wheel arch and double checked you are getting power to that .?

I had a similar issue with mine as they tend to go "lazy" if not used for long periods and a light tap on the motor body may spring it back to life assuming you are getting power to the motor.Also try helping the blind up by hand whilst pushing the button is it may of just got stuck in the rails .Then wil need a very light lubrication with some silicone spray but go gentle as you don't want to apply too much .

If all else fails only real solution is to remove the entire unit and strip the motor down ,but a replacement motor would be quicker,although finding one could be a challenge.

Thanks amba

I have tried some of that, but I am going to try again and other ways to get it going, as these motors are now rare.  I would love to bang the motor body, but of course it is inaccessible, being between the shelf and the metal section of chassis that holds the speakers.

Anyway, I have not given up yet, but will try again during the week; other household chores to do first! 

[amba]

A Womans work is never done...ah !!!

[Lizzie Zoom]

A Womans work is never done...ah !!!

Too bloody true!!

[Lizzie Zoom]

Well, went down to the car in the garage this morning, started her up, and thought whilst thinking I would start the dismantling process of the back shelf, " let's just push the blind button".  The blind worked straight away!!!!

What a relief, as I have got better things to do than take out the rear shelf!

It had occurred to me that, ironically for a sun blind, the high heat we have had down here over the last few days at least had something to do with "the problem".  When I first went to use the blind it was in Sainsbury's supermarket car park with external temperature running at 27 degrees C, and the whole rear window area baking in direct heat, so what that temperature was, who knows!

Since then, over the last couple of days the temp has kept high, but this morning it has dropped, and the car was in a cool garage.  That, no doubt, is the reason why it has come back to life.  I have wiped all the mechanism in polish, and checked the metal trim that surrounds the opening I created in the shelf when I retrofitted the blind.  It could be that expanded just enough to impede the blinds upward movement.

Anyway, thanks for all your input!

 

[amba]

Glad to hear its working again for you Lizzie...Just need the weather to justify using them now

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Istr remember something about a smear of silicon grease in the runners keeps them moving freely.

[Lizzie Zoom]

Istr remember something about a smear of silicon grease in the runners keeps them moving freely.

Yes, I musty get some of that

[TheBoy]

Istr remember something about a smear of silicon grease in the runners keeps them moving freely.

Yes, I musty get some of that

The same shit you'd use on plastic curtain rails to make them slide freer is exactly the stuff .  The current stuff I'm using is 3-in-1 Silicone Lubricant aerosol. Mainly because its what hellfrauds sell, and they are convenient for me when I'm at work.

[Lizzie Zoom]

Istr remember something about a smear of silicon grease in the runners keeps them moving freely.

Yes, I musty get some of that

The same shit you'd use on plastic curtain rails to make them slide freer is exactly the stuff .  The current stuff I'm using is 3-in-1 Silicone Lubricant aerosol. Mainly because its what hellfrauds sell, and they are convenient for me when I'm at work.

Thanks.. My next buy then

[Andy B]

Just leave it raised ..... 

[Lizzie Zoom]

Just leave it raised ..... 

Funnily enough that occurred to me this morning Andy!

If it is heat that is affecting it so badly, then why not keep it up as the sun shines!

[amba]

Not great for night time vision although it is ideal when you have a car with supa bright headlights on behind you

[Lizzie Zoom]

Not great for night time vision although it is ideal when you have a car with supa bright headlights on behind you

No, and especially as the auto dipping mirror stops the problem of very bright headlights.

[Andy B]

Not great for night time vision although it is ideal when you have a car with supa bright headlights on behind you

Youve got door mirrors  ..... & how much do you need to see through your back window?

[amba]

I like to see where Im going and where Ive been  .

I just find driving with the blind down at night isnt ideal despite the auto dimming mirror...just my preference I suppose 

[Lizzie Zoom]

I like to see where Im going and where Ive been  .

I just find driving with the blind down at night isnt ideal despite the auto dimming mirror...just my preference I suppose 

The rear window is also useful for keeping an eye out for a police car!

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Left mine up once in high heat - the sun made the blind 'sheet' itself sag like a hammock!! 

[Doctor Gollum]

I like to see where Im going and where Ive been  .

I just find driving with the blind down at night isnt ideal despite the auto dimming mirror...just my preference I suppose 

The rear window is also useful for keeping an eye out for a police car!

Guilty conscience? 

[Andy B]

I like to see where Im going and where Ive been  .

I just find driving with the blind down at night isnt ideal despite the auto dimming mirror...just my preference I suppose 

The rear window is also useful for keeping an eye out for a police car!

Surely no need as I'm sure you always drive within the law  ..... 

[Lizzie Zoom]

I like to see where Im going and where Ive been  .

I just find driving with the blind down at night isnt ideal despite the auto dimming mirror...just my preference I suppose 

The rear window is also useful for keeping an eye out for a police car!

Surely no need as I'm sure you always drive within the law  ..... 

Oh yes, always!