Bongo Fury

Literally just having started my Bongo today the drivers electric window switch box started smoking - a lot! Not knowing which fuse controlled this switch (because I hadn't got a diagram - I have Now!) I prised out the box from the door and unplugged the switch unit. A small hole has been burnt the size of a cigarette burn in the box that contains the circuit - the hole is situated in the passenger switch side of the unit.

I'm not techie and wondered what the next best steps are:

Do I just buy a replacement unit and stick it in?
If so, where's the best place to get one?
While it's not in place will the passenger side window not work using the switch on the passenger window?
I don't know yet whether the fuse has blown too, should it have?
and of course I'm just wondering how the switch unit could suddeny start smoking like this and what I should look out for to check that everything is, er, OK?

Any advice on any of this would be gratefully accepted.

(FYI: This weekend was my first offical camping trip out in my Bongo and it was great, just ended badly with a load of smoke and burning plastic smells!)

Could be the wiring on the loom between the door & body shorted out? common issue for the wires to break & the windows to stop working, not ususally with such dramatic results though
Could also be a fault in the switch itself, or a build up of dirt/dust has created a short or something?
Fuse may have gone, fusebox details are in the factsheet in the members area.
A new switch will set you back over £100 if you're not careful, even secondhand ones can go for more than half that, it may be repairable? If not have a look at the compatible parts list at the top of techie section, there are a few suggestions for replacement switches from other mazdas.

Many thanks for such a quick response, all makes sense. Just one thing I'm still wondering and that's while the switch is not in place will the passenger side window not work using the switch on the passenger window? (It did work before and doesn't now!)

No it won't as the rear rocker switches it on/off, if you look at the wiring diagrams at the top of techie section you may be able to figure out which two wires to short to switch it on?

Was talking to Mike at wheelquick this afternoon, and he was telling me he knows someone who fixes and repairs the bongo switches for about £50. a lot cheaper than buying one from evilbay.

Nothern Bongolow & Springer on here have offered to do the same in the past basically for the cost of postage, thats if they're repairable.

I'm with Kirsty on this... But.. I would be looking for a break/short in the loom between the door & body & repairing first?? Most likely cause of yer box to fry.. Possibly the PCB..?

I personally wouldn't try starting to short anything to get window motors to move from the connector block until the loom had been investigated..!!? Your window switch PCB may have been the last line of resistance to causing further damage!

I have in the past repaired a small burnt out section of the printed circuit on the mirror folder switch after an experiment went wrong successfully, so it may not be all bad news with your window switch??

Thanks everybody so far, all very helpful.

I think the loom stuff makes sense. When I get a mo I'm going to have a look, which I'm quite happy to do as a non-techie layman, but what's the course of action if I see there is a problem with the wires (e.g. broken)? If you don't do it yerself, but you can see the issue,what's the best course of action to get it fixed? (!)

In terms of the switch unit, there is the switch itself and then the box underneath. I intend to screw the box off and have a look at the circuit board to see what a mess has been caused i think there is probably a lot of molten plastic as the passenger switch on the drivers box no longer depresses like the drivers one!

Just one other thing for a paranoid person like me - is it OK driving round with just the electrical plug to the box (that's now off) just sat there and be electric windowless for a while, while I figure out a plan of action? (do I need to put some tape over the ends or owt)?? Don't want to have a frazzled Bongo or be frazzled . I'm very proud of her already!

When I get a chance to investigate some more I'll report back.

No need to cover the plug unless your gonna start sticking stuff into it.

This may help.. http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... +door+loom

This might help too! http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... +door+loom

Do a search plenty of info on here!

try to find the fuse that controls the windows and pull that just to be safe.fix the loom that may be damaged.then refit the fuse and install the switch.
if you pm me we can chat.i have 2 spare circuit boards for these switches,but the switches/toggles are broke.if you send me your switch(dont open it up you may break the switches off) and loose the tiny spring and ballbearing , i will make you one out of the bits you have and the bits i have.
just pay the postage each way.

I have a spare one, it has the board in tact but the switch and case is broke, you are welcome to it if you can collect and make a good one out of the 2, not to far from you in leeds, I am at tuther side of Birstall (WF15)

Drop us a pm if your interested

Regards Wayne

The fuse is this one and it only powers the two windows;

I've been too busy to be able to look at this yet, but just want everyone who posted to know with all the kind help and advice that I will be back on the case shortly!

Sometimes a rest & a look at with fresh eyes/ideas sorts it in minutes....

I had an ongoing "dispute" with my alarm system for a few weeks, looked at it the other day & sussed it in seconds.!