Silly power window question. 81SC

[clevy70911T]

I just replaced my alternator and now my power windows work WITHOUT the ign. on where as before I had to turn the key to get power to the windows. I did find a wire that wasn't hooked up as it was shoved down a little. I just figured I had pushed it down during removal. Now I think it wasnt hooked up before cracking it open.
Can anyone tell me whether you have to have the key on to work the windows in your 81SC? Also, i am somewhat retarded when it comes to reading electrical schematics. Is it even possible to have corrected this by attaching a wire to the alternator? Thanks!

[911Mac]

On my 82 SC the ignition needs to be on for the power windows to work.

-Mac

[RoninLB]

not having seen this before & according to an elec diag

the window motor gets it power from a trunk relay. The red/black 30wire in the relay gets its power from the ignition sw in only the on & start key position.

Is another "on" position circuit operating in the "off" key position? That would point to the ignition sw. The radio is on another ign sw connection.

If not then something is feeding power into the circuit at the other end of relay#30 into #87. #87 relay connector feeds into fuse #16. Fuse#16 feeds the window switches, then to the motors.

I'd check that fuse #16 terminals without the fuse connected.. if I had trouble finding #16 I'd pull fuses till the windows stopped working, hopefully. If the circuit was hot after the fuse then pulling the fuse won't prevent window operation with fuse pulled.

party hearty

[fireant911]

My 81SC also requires no key in to operate the windows. I seem to remember a thread from a couple of years back discussing the same issue and there seemed to be no concensus here: even within the same model years some folks had windows that worked without the ignition being on while others did not.

[Driver Ed]

On my '82 SC, the key must be in for the windows to work. Interesting that the two 81's don't and the two 82's do in the tabulated results so far.

[wilke3169]

I have had an '81 and a '79 both required the ignition be on to operate windows. I am not sure that anything on the alternator replacement would change this operation.

[Mothy]

Mine is an 83SC and my windows work all the time - doesn't matter if key is in or not. However, the sunroof does requires the key turned.

[clevy70911T]

Thanks for the responses. I guess I'll check things out regarding the ignition switch as it does feel somewhat worn out. I havent found any other things working now WITHOUT a key, so I think the switch is OK. After that, I'll just enjoy my new feature. Chalk it up as a friendly electrical gremlin.
On a side note, after experiencing the symptoms of that crazy voltage regulator and over-charge issue, last night I made a plug-in-the-cigarette lighter voltage meter that velcros under my ashtray until I can install a permanent gauge. I used an old cell phone charger, solder, duct tape (of course) and VDO gauge. I just hope I didnt fry something and cause this before getting the alternator changed out.

[jdowty3]

My 83 requires the ignition on to power the window switches. Looking at the electrical diagrams, all of the US SC years should work this way.

[island911]

Sounds like a stuck (fused/welded) relay contact.

[clevy70911T]

I'll check out the relay described by Ronin LB. Now I'll get out the schmatics and get a feel for them. Thanks to all!

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by RoninLB

The red/black 30wire in the relay gets its power from the ignition sw in only the on & start key position.

I could be wrong on the above and power may come from a constant hot. So the relay may be fused shut?

[911mot]

On my 84 carrera if the drivers door is open you can operate windows and sunroof. This is supposed to happen.

[kqw]

Get in, close the door, start the car, shut it off. You should be able to operate the windows. Now, open the door and close the door. You should not be able to operate the windows.

[SCOTITUDE]

The windows work on my 80 SC without the key in the car at all. I thought i had an electrical gremlin cause my interior lights never worked either. I tried to debug it but got fed up and said screw it. Dont drive on the track at night anyway. At least I know Im not alone with the window thing.

[Wil Ferch]

kqw correctly describes a properly functioning system ( at least for US spec cars of this vintage). I've posted on this before.

Culprit is usually a bad plunger door switch that allows the PW relay to "always" be energized. Not correct.

Leads to fast battery drain too for garage queens.....

Wil