Power windows work w/o key?
 

I adjusted the drivers window on my '87 targa today. I found that the windows operate without a key. Is this normal? Search didn't cover this one.

My windows do not operate with out the ignition turned on.

Mine works without the key as long as I haven't opened either door first.

Ditto - mine work after the ignition is turned off, until a door is opened. Same with the sunroof.

Ditto the Ditto! I didnt know that

There must be a relay or something that isn't functioning properly on mine. It's leaving the circuit open. Hmmm.. maybe related to my interior dome light not working?? I hate electrics on cars.

Both windows work anytime on mine, car on or off. Sunroof only works with ignition on (not w/accessory). My interior lights are all inop.

1985 was the first year for that feature. The windows will work with the key out until you open a door. It's wired through the interior light circuit which cuts it out.
Mike: I think somebody wired your car hot all the time for the windows because an SC did not come with that feature.

For cars that have this feature, make sure you can't open or close the windows after the door is opened ( and closed). If you can still open a window after you do that, you'll soon have a dead battery.
---Wil Ferch

The PW on my 86 work all the time...door open or closed....key in or out.

OK so they are'nt supposed to work after the door is openned and closed. How does one diagnose a solution? The power line in is hot so it's not the switch.

9 times out of ten it's the door switch, even if you think it's OK...
---Wil Ferch

mine only work (ignition off) when the door is open:D

Same as Dickster's, mine work only when the door is open (ignition off)

Dickster, Henk,

So they don't work after the ignition is switched off, and before a door is opened? I think they should work then. Do your interior lights come on when either door is opened?

There was a thread like this about a year or less ago . . . with the same posts. Lots of differences. Pretty funny

My 86's work any/all the time as does the sunroof. I have no apparent lighting anomolies that I'm aware of.

todd

Attributable to some of the unique inconsistancies of somewhat hand-built cars?

Ben,

Indeed, they don't work when the ignition is switched off, and before I open the door, but with the door opened, they work. The interior lights do come on when either door is opened.

what henk said.

I think the idea about "handbuilt" cars as being a cause for inconsistencies is pure rubbish....

Let's focus on USA vs ROW cars.

USA cars should work as I had described before. Sunroof and windows open and close as often as you like after the car is shut-down, as long as door is kept closed. Once the door is opened ( or re-closed) the system should de-activate. If the windows can continue to work, the system is still "live" and can run down the battery....

---Wil Ferch

Wil, by door switch, I assume you mean the switch that is mounted on the body that is closed when the door is shut. If that switch is bad that would account for the dome light being inop. But, would it be the same for both doors? Assuming both switches can't be bad.

The windows should work until the interior lights come on (triggered by the door opening) If the lights don't come on (usually a bad door switch, or the relay is bad so that it doesn't switch when the lights come on then your windows will work all of the time.

Thanks, Steve. Mine work all of the time and my interior lights don't come on when the door opens on either side. I guess that I'll try replacing the switch?

Thats the way its supposed to be. I think they did that to allow you to shut down the car then roll up the windows w/o having to turn the ign. back on, opening the door deactivates the feature.

I agree. And if it doesn't do that, then the door switch is failed, hence the inop overhead interior lights.

So, how do we explain the ROW guys windows not working until after a door is opened, and their lights work? It appears to be a stuck relay, as Bob and Steve mentioned. Or do they have a different setup than the USA cars?

I have the opposite on my dad's '85 merc S-Class. With ignition off, windows will operate if the driver's door is open. And it is meant to be like that (written in manual). Maybe it's a German thing?

Update. I changed out the door switches with the help of parts from our host and windows now are off after doors are openned.

Thanks to Will Ferch for making the call on this one.

I checked my manual and according to the original manual the windows should work as mine do so:
The windows don't work when the ignition is switched off, and before I open the door, but with the door opened, they work.
This is prevent that childern that are left in the car get their hands trapped between the windows and roof. (says so litterally)

Henk,

So that explains it; the USA car P/W and sunroof are wired for different operation than the ROW cars. Why? We don't carry kids in the P-cars here :D .

Thanks,

Update: replaced both door switches... still no interior lights, and windows work 24/7. #4 fuse is good. I guess I'll swap the relay next. :(