Both windows stopped?

[Dixie]

Both my windows stopped working.
I charged the battery. Started the car. Everything works, but the windows won't go up. Odd, because they worked last time I drove it. Fuse is fine. Sunroof works. But none of the switches cause either window to budge.

What do I check?

[Bob Kontak]

I am not a 3.2 owner. Just talking here.

On the 3.2's there is a relay that allows the window to close after you turn the key off but only before you open the doors. You may remember doing this? If you do remember, you have the relay. My 81 does not.

I do not know if it can leave you dead in the water (with key on) if it goes kaput. Others do know.

It's a spendy little stinker (pushing $100) with a really fancy German name....just to brighten your spirits.

FENSTERHABER

[Dixie]

Thanks for the suggestion. There must be a relay, because the windows do work with the ignition off, until the door is opened.

Update:
The driver window started working after five miles. Perhaps there's finally enough voltage to run it? The passenger side is still in-op. On rare occasion, it was balky before. (I'd have to use the passenger switch to "free" it. Then both switches would work.) So further trouble shooting is in order.

[DRACO A5OG]

Check under the seat, the line is connected to the power seats. if disconnected windows will not work either.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by Capt. Carrera

Both my windows stopped working.
I charged the battery. Started the car. Everything works, but the windows won't go up. Odd, because they worked last time I drove it. Fuse is fine. Sunroof works. But none of the switches cause either window to budge.

What do I check?

Check out this tech article to see if it'll help you further troubleshoot or fix the issue. Best of luck!

Porsche 911 Window Regulator and Motor Replacement | 911 (1965-89) - 930 Turbo (1975-89) | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

-Dmitry

[Dixie]

Switch and all checked out. Cranked the motor by hand a bit, and it started working. Not sure if the brushes stuck, or what, but it seems to be working. Hopefully it will last at least a few years.

Thanks all for your assistance!

[jlex]

The passenger window in my '88 is balky at times. Luckily on the '88 model, the crank can open or close the window. When it started messing up, cranking it a wee bit with the provided tool would free it up. After a while, even that wouldn't work. It's working now because I gave it a rap on the motor with the switch engaged (as you would with a balky starter). Probably a weak motor.
You should check your switches and relay to make sure power is actually getting to the motor. If it checks out, then the motor's going bad. The switches can be checked without taking the door panel off. You can't rap the motor directly w/o taking off the door panel, but if you insert the crank tool into the transmission gear, then give the tool a rap while the switch is on, it should be the same as hitting the motor directly. Good luck.

[86 911 Targa]

^^^^^
Here you go.

Best,

Gerry

[jlex]

After working about 20 or so times, the passenger motor started acting up on my '88 again. I've got it down to a science.... instead of taking off the tweeter cover and messing with the gear, I just gave the door panel a bang with my fist right where the motor is located & that cured it (until the next time). Balky motor for sure, same as a balky starter motor. Trick is, though, you must have the switch engaged at the same time you "persuade" it with a bang. Might be helpful for those whose models don't provide direct access to the transmission gear thru a tweeter cover.
Maybe next year if I get tired of that I'll replace just the motor part & leave the transmission/window regulator alone to save the hassle. Motor appears to be readily accessible and can be separated from the transmission by just two bolts.

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

On the 3.2's there is a relay that allows the window to close after you turn the key off but only before you open the doors.

Just a small clarification, that feature was not added until the '85 models. My '84 3.2 does not have it.

[jlex]

Originally Posted by Arne2

Just a small clarification, that feature was not added until the '85 models. My '84 3.2 does not have it.

Didn't know about it as my '85 didn't have it either. Tried it for the first time yesterday on my '88. It's kind of a neat feature as I always roll the windows down half way while its in the garage to promote good air flow to inhibit mildew.

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by jlex

Didn't know about it as my '85 didn't have it either. Tried it for the first time yesterday on my '88. It's kind of a neat feature as I always roll the windows down half way while its in the garage to promote good air flow to inhibit mildew.

i do the same on mine, although not half way, don't want to leave a gap big enough to allow a cat to get in.

I had thought this feature started in '85, but apparently it was later than that.