The car is an '82.

Neither side window is working. I've pulled the switches part & burnished the contacts - no help. The fuse is good, so I suspect the relay.

So, the question is - is it possible to use a jumper for testing purposes like we do with the fuel pump & injector relays?

It's getting to be a pain in the *** to have to open the door to pay bridge tolls.

James

 

cant you test for power at the switch connections by removing the console side covers,
Replace the window fuse even though you checked it,

 

I dont think there is a relay in that year. IIRC.... I had an 82 and a 79 with this problem. Both times I had to take the motors out and clean the pinion that comes out of the motor. They rust.

 

Shark Attack is correct, there is no power window relay. The motor brushes and commutator also get dirty over the years and sometimes can be cleaned. Heres a quick system test.
-Disconnect motor and connect a test light in series on harness connector. If wiring and switch are good, light will come on with switch open or close. Problem is motor.
- If light did not come on, check switch for power and ground. Repair if required.
- Two wires at switch go to the motor. Connect these wires with test light, like a jumper. If light comes on open or close, problem is in wiring to motor. No light, bad switch.
Sorry for mis-informing, yes there is a relay. Took a quick look at part of the wiring diagram before I posted.

 

Jadz 928 did a writeup of some window motor reinvigoration. His is an S4, but I think its similar.

 

just check the plug to see if 12v comes out

 

Thanks for the tips - will double check continuity across the fuse & replace anyway - got lots of fuses.

According to both my Owner's Manual & my relay chart, relay # VI is for "power window controls" & there is a relay present in position VI. So, it appears that there is a relay in the power window circuit. Hence the question.

I'm the second owner & except for some road trips, the car has spent it's entire life in northern CA, so rust is not a problem (we do get a bit of rain from time to time, but there is no corrosion on the car) & it's unlikely that rust would cause both sides to stop working at the same time.

James

 

JAMES! I had the same problem in the Green Machine after it sat in the barn for a year. The trick is to pull the relay, then accidentally DROP IT onto concrete.
Never had a problem since.

 

Woo hoo! one in a row!

 

you should pull a fuse relay chart here 928gt.com its on page 2 under tips and links print one off and keep it in the car

 

Yep, relay VI, power window controls, simple switched power relay. Yes, you can jumper it. Should be able to source one locally for about $12, very common relay.

 

Not quite. You're both wrong. There most definitely is a relay & a bad one at that.

Ok, I jumpered the relay & my windows are working again. So, my next question is: is there any harm leaving the jumper installed (temporarily) until I can get a replacement relay? What exactly is the purpose of the relay?

James

 

It's purpose is to enable power to the window switches when the ignition switch is enabled, a switched power relay. Ignition off, window switches off. Napa will have one. Leaving the jumper means the switches are 'hot' all the time.

 

Its mainly a safety/security issue:
1. So no kids can operate the windows without the keys in ignition (~= adult supervision?)
2. so the windows aren't active when you are away from the car - in case a switch is stuck on (poss fire risk)
3. so nobody can operate the switches with a wire/stick from outside to gain access to the vehicle - less likely with switch position on 928 (except with a partly open sunroof).

For a while its OK - I would not leave it this way permanently though....

Alan

 

Thanks Mike & Alan. You confirmed my conclusions.

Had to make a run into San Francisco this a.m. & the jumper worked fine at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza (pulled one end of the jumper while the car was parked & stuck in back in before I got back on the road). Should have a new relay today.

James