'86 Coupe - Pwr windows & sunroof not working

cjbcpa · 09-03-2007, 04:03 PM

Hello all,

Out of the blue, my power windows and sunroof stopped working. I had dirven the car on a couple of trips and was parking for the night. Up went the windows, closed the roof and left her. Next day, started up and neither the windows nor the sunroof would open. All other accessories appear to be working.

I know these share a fuse so I checked and replaced with a new one, no go. Any other ideas on what would cause both to go south at the same time? My next thought was the power window relay. I thought I recall reading that power for both windows and sunroof run through this first. Could a power window switch cause both these issues? A body shop did have the drivers side door panel off recently, perhaps something was not completely or loosely reconnected? Before I try and tear apart my instrument cluster or door panel, I thought I'd check here first.

Thanks in advance,

CB

mackskibum · 09-03-2007, 04:50 PM

Was the fuse blown? I have had the blown fuse myself by closing the sunroof and both windows at the same time, but always worked after the fuse replacement. Do you have 12V on both sides of the fuse now? Get the multimeter out and do some simple checking. Is it possible that one of the switches is stuck, or you have a mechanical problem?

911 in SC · 09-03-2007, 04:57 PM

Remove the relay for the pwr windows and sunroof. I cleaned the contacts spread the 'prongs' apart just a little (to ensure contact). It worked, even though I bought a spare relay and it stays in my glovebox. We have to remember that most of our cars sit quite a bit of their lives. Electrical components corrode, no matter how clean the car is kept.

Be happy that the windows didn't stop on their way up or down. I was parking my car at work when it happened to me. Had to drive it home (OK, didn't HAVE to, but I did) and get my other car and drive back.

Good luck!

cjbcpa · 09-04-2007, 04:18 AM

Thanks Dave & Mike.

I did not check across the poles of the fuse. The original was intact, I swapped it out to be certain. I'll do that this evening to be complete.

My fear about the relay is getting the gauges out. I've tried to pry the oil & tach out but they are sure in there tight. My tach protrudes about 1/16 from the face of the dash and even though I could get my fingertips on it, it would not budge. I'm afraid of cracking the glass if I pry too hard. I may try removing the clock and then working my way to the left.

CB

911 in SC · 09-04-2007, 01:37 PM

I'm not quite sure why you're removing your gauges to get to the relay. That is, unless it's different than my '84 (and it very well could be). The relay for my power windows and sunroof are with the fuse panel, under the hood.

With that said, if you do need to remove the gauges, the most conventional way is to start with the clock and make your way to the left.

Good luck!
Mike

jester911 · jester911's Garage

I had this problem recently in my car. If you have power seats check to make sure the wiring to the seat is not grounding out. It is on the same circuit as the windows/ sunroof.

cjbcpa · 09-09-2007, 03:12 PM

Well. mysteriously the windows and sunroof started working again this afternoon. I did check the voltage across the poles on fuse one and all was well. I have partial power seats so I did move the seat back and forth in hopes of appeasing the electrical gods but nothing changed. a couple of minutes pondering my next move, decided to start her up one more time and miraculously, all was working again.

I think I'll just count myself lucky for now.

Thanks for all the responses

,

CB

jester911 · jester911's Garage

I think you need to check the wiring under the seat. What you are describing is similar to what happened with my car. You may find it intermittent until you find the source of the problem.

cjbcpa · 10-15-2007, 08:07 AM

Same trouble again. This time no current across the terminal on the fuse box. Any thoughts I where to go from here?

Additionally, the fuse for the radio/interior lights has suddenly blown. New fuses blow immediately with a nice little spark. This terminal does have the proper 12v across it. Could these be related?

I'm a bit intimidated by electrical issues, but if anyone can provide some guidance I can probably follow instructions ;-)

CB

ChemMan · ChemMan's Garage

Did you get a chance to clean the terminals for the fuse yet? You will also need to check the window switches as well. They pull right out of the panel. Just be sure to note how they go back or if you have a Bentley, refer to the electrical diagram. My relay went bad this summer. I had the same as you. No windows and sunroof. Replaced the relay and everything is fine. To pull the guages, I used 2 paint can openers. If you use them carefully, the gauges will come right out. The relay is right back there.

cjbcpa · 11-10-2007, 11:20 AM

Thought I'd bring some closure to this for the benefit of the next poor soul.

Turns out it was the Power Window Control unit. This is the control unit located behind the gauges. I called it a relay in a previous post by mistake although it is nothing more than a souped up relay. Fortunately it was only a $40 part and easily can be replaced by going through the front trunk compartment. Turns out the tell-tale indicator was no voltage across the fuse terminal as all voltage runs through this control unit before it runs through the fuse, go figure.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm appy to be able to share some information on occasion.

CB