Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Thanks, Dan, I'll do that. I should think silicone spray would be right and I can put some on the channel for the glass while I am at it. One question - what are window whiskers?
Many thanks.
Richard.

Hi Richard
I think when you sort out the wiring and the earth you should be OK, but cleaning and lubrication also helps.
With the motor stalled it takes more current. once it moves the current may well drop back so at 12V it may draw a similar current to stall or significantly less. Cant offer info on the current values as my +2S has different mechanism and they draw 12 to 15A.

hope this helps best of luck

Bob

The whiskers are the two black strips that fit on either side of the window, horizontally, along the top of the door (they are fitted to the bottom of the visible part of the chrome frame). They're fuzzy, and there's often a small gap between the glass and each whisker (although there probably shouldn't be!). If they're up against the glass I guess they would be a source of friction.

They are available from the usual suppliers, as are the small clips that hold them to the frame. About five or six on each side. The clips rust but otherwise seem to be quite robust so are often reusable.

Nick

I just redid my wiring harness and tested all circuits. On my S4SE the windows pulled less than 3 amps going up at 14v, as Eric said earlier. If you're pulling 6-7 amps then your problem is first with the windows, and maybe second with voltage drop on the way.

You can access the window leads at the bullet connectors at the ends of the dash where they go into the doors. I'd suggest you check the current draw there with a direct battery (or power supply) connection and see how they work before trying to fix switches.

TomR

I see. Whiskers are what the books, less interestingly and comparatively boringly, call weatherstrips! I might get funny looks if I ask 'Can I have some new whiskers, please.' Thanks, Tom, I will follow your suggestion. I know stalled motors draw the maximum, as they act as generators when running, producing a 'back emf', but my projected current of 11 amps seems too high compared to your measurements. I think the voltage reaching the motors is just too low, so they won't start, therefore no back emf, therefore high current. Testing as you describe should be revealing.