Electric windows

[mst758]

I have just recently found that my windows can operate without the key turned on or even in the ignition at all. Is this standard? I doubt it is and therefore asking if anyone can give me an idea of where to start with tracking the problem down.

[ernie9944]

Originally Posted by mst758

i have just recently found that my windows can operate without the key turned on or even in the ignition at all. Is this standard? I doubt it is and therefore asking if anyone can give me an idea of where to start with tracking the problem down.

NORMAL:

[mst758]

If normal, wouldn't it drain the battery over time?

[Rjackel944]

yeah, mine dont work without the key turned..

[944 Ecology]

Since MST758 has posted before about his 944S, I presume that he has one. On the late cars, probably 87 and newer, there is a relay that allows the windows to be operated after the engine is turned off and before one of the doors is opened. Thus, quite likely a normal operation.

[ewalt98]

Originally Posted by 944 Ecology

Since MST758 has posted before about his 944S, I presume that he has one. On the late cars, probably 87 and newer, there is a relay that allows the windows to be operated after the engine is turned off and before one of the doors is opened. Thus, quite likely a normal operation.

I wonder how difficult it would be to retrofit that to an 85.5? Anyone try that?

[mst758]

I am familiar with the relay that allows you to run the windows prior to opening the doors. Mine operate at anytime, doors having been opened numerous times without the key being placed back in the ignition. Power is continuously running to the switch. I discovered this late last night and haven't had a chance to put a meter on anything yet, that is why I am asking if anyone else has encountered this.

[ernie9944]

+1 George ,just when sat in my car (968) & to make sure & tried it.With,ignition on window go up & down ,remove the key window still operate ,open & close the door that it window don't go nowhere.__Rjackel944 ,normal on yours it's an early model my 83 was the same.

[bazar01]

Originally Posted by mst758

I am familiar with the relay that allows you to run the windows prior to opening the doors. Mine operate at anytime, doors having been opened numerous times without the key being placed back in the ignition. Power is continuously running to the switch. I discovered this late last night and haven't had a chance to put a meter on anything yet, that is why I am asking if anyone else has encountered this.

You need to test the window relay at pin 87 if it has 12V to ground. If there is a constant 12V at pin 87, it is either bad or rigged by the previous owner.

[mst758]

Thanks bazar, that's the starting point I was looking for. You wouldn't happen to have snapshot of the schematics would ya?

[jonvo]

Originally Posted by mst758

Thanks bazar, that's the starting point I was looking for. You wouldn't happen to have snapshot of the schematics would ya?

you may be able to find it here.

Manuals

[fmartenies]

Do you know for a fact it is draining the battery? Just my opinion, if its not I would keep it like that!

[Cocacolakidd]

The switch over for that style of relay (Electric Windows that go up and down with ignition off) was in 1985.5 & later models. Normally it will not wear down the battery unless you sit there running the window up and down for a half hour or more. With the window just sitting there without any action to it no battery drain...Also in most cases I have found the window will go UP once even if the door is opened.

So now you know what to do when the traffic cop sticks his head in the window to yell at you for the infraction...This forum is of course Adult rated.

[bbdhull]

Mine too, open and close even if the doors are open

[88Silver924S]

I have always been annoyed by electric windows that won't operate when the ignition is off so shortly after getting my 924S in 1988 I removed the power window relay from it's socket and jumped sockets #30 to socket #87 with a short piece of wire with bayonet ends to fit into the sockets. Wrapped it securely with electricians tape, labeled and stored the relay in case I want to reverse it and ever since then I have been able to operate the windows whenever I want regardless of the key (I wired my radio to also be independent/free of the key). I like the freedom. It does not drain the battery beyond what you use if you do run the windows, though I am aware that without the engine charging the battery it would be a good idea to keep the usage reasonable i.e. don't let the kids play with running the windows up and down, up and down . . .

So maybe a previous owner also wanted to free their windows from the key and did a similar customization.

On my '88 924S the power window relay was under the dash on the drivers side not in any relay board.

[Aufgeladen944]

My 86's windows go up and down without the key, as long as you don't open the doors first. Pretty much ALL german cars are like that, and many newer Japanese and American cars are the same. Most GM cars can use the radio without the key for about ten minutes after the ignition is turned off, too, as long as the doors aren't opened.

Heck, my 94 Probe had this feature. It's pretty standard stuff.

[marko]

If you can open your door and operate the windows without the key on, you might have a stuck or broken door switch/plunger. I've always been able to operate the windows with my driver door open but not with the passenger door open. I noticed the driver door plunger was stuck in. Once I fixed it, I couldn't operate the windows with the door open anymore.