740 Window Shade Inoperative

[trj911]

The rear windowshade on my '94 740 quit working. It made a few noises and then gave up the ghost. I checked fuses and all is well there, any ideas?

[trj911]

It looks like some teeth were stripped on the main gear that moves the shade. I think a new motor is in order.

[autobonrun]

confirm where the problem exists before you buy a motor and gears. I just finished trouble shooting mine and unnecessarily replaced the motor. The motor is a couple hundred bucks and the control module is another $200 or so. Confirm you don't have a bad control module by removing the parcel shelf then remove the shade assembly from the shelf. Unplug the motor from the control module. Six bolts hold the shade assembly in place. You'll also need to remove the two plastic stops on each end of the shade to pull it through the shelf. It may pull through without removing them but I found it easier. A small set screw holds each in place. Lubricate the slide assembly while you have it out. Also, if you have bad rear speakers, now is the time to replace them. To check the control module, reconnect it to the plug then press the open/close button on your console. Measure the voltage at the appropriate pin and verify 12v switches to the appropriate pin. If you don't have a Bentley, let me know and I'll post the pin outs for open and close. In my case, one of the two relays in the control module was bad so the shade would go up but not come down. From your description, your problem may be mechanical but check the electrical first. The control module is on the right in the first photo and the motor is on the left. The gear mechanism that comes with the motor is in the second photo.

[trj911]

Thanks! I have not completed the fix yet and when I do, I'll be sure to have your info handy!

[trj911]

I just spent a few hours replacing the rear window shade motor. If anyone needs help doing this I can walk you through it.