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Power windows work with no key inserted?

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Old Oct 2, 2020 | 02:37 PM
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Default Power windows work with no key inserted?

Hi,
Not sure if this is normal behavior or not... 1970 Vette... are the power windows supposed to work even with no ignition key inserted? If not, can I assume it's likely not connected to the proper location in the fusebox...

Or is it normal that the power windows work with no key inserted.

Thanks
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Old Oct 2, 2020 | 02:41 PM
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C2's work without the key. C3's are supposed to need keyed power. Yes, check that your PW connector is in the correct spot in the fuse box.
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Old Oct 2, 2020 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Greg
C2's work without the key. C3's are supposed to need keyed power. Yes, check that your PW connector is in the correct spot in the fuse box.
Thanks Greg! Do you know if the correct location is the "Acc." spot?

Last edited by my1970conv; Oct 2, 2020 at 02:48 PM.
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Old Oct 2, 2020 | 05:59 PM
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I believe it should go into the IGN term


M

Last edited by Mooser; Oct 2, 2020 at 06:01 PM.
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Old Oct 2, 2020 | 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by my1970conv
Hi,
Not sure if this is normal behavior or not... 1970 Vette... are the power windows supposed to work even with no ignition key inserted? If not, can I assume it's likely not connected to the proper location in the fusebox...

Or is it normal that the power windows work with no key inserted.

Thanks

My '73 power windows also work without the key and they are plugged into the correct space in the fuse block. I've never really cared enough to sort this out but my guess is that either the previous owner made a wiring change to do this intentionally or the relay under the center console is bad.

DC
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Old Oct 3, 2020 | 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by DC3
My '73 power windows also work without the key and they are plugged into the correct space in the fuse block. I've never really cared enough to sort this out but my guess is that either the previous owner made a wiring change to do this intentionally or the relay under the center console is bad.

DC
So I made sure all the connections were in the correct location, and like you DC3, the windows were still going up/down even with no key... it turned out being the relay that is located under the center console. After taking the console apart, and locating the relay, I removed the cover, and could see that there was a very small part of the tab that was touching and causing the contact to always be "on"... I was able to "separate" it enough so that there was no contact, but still close enough for it to work, and it now works properly. The windows will only go up/down when the key is in the "ON" location.
On to other little gremlins.
Thanks for those who responded.
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Old Oct 3, 2020 | 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Mooser
I believe it should go into the IGN term
M


That is where it should be connected at the fuse panel. There is also a relay for the power windows mounted roughly under the stereo that may be malfunctioning or a previous owner might have bypassed for some reason.

EDIT: To the OP I see that you've already sorted it out as I was typing this.

BTW Mooser, like the aux relays mounting idea!

Last edited by 7t2vette; Oct 3, 2020 at 11:18 AM.
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Old Oct 3, 2020 | 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by 7t2vette

...

BTW Mooser, like the aux relays mounting idea!
Thanks. They control a straight battery feed to a pair of small fuse panels for all the things I seem to have added over the years...
M

Last edited by Mooser; Oct 3, 2020 at 11:21 AM.
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Old Oct 3, 2020 | 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by my1970conv
... it turned out being the relay that is located under the center console. After taking the console apart, and locating the relay, I removed the cover, and could see that there was a very small part of the tab that was touching and causing the contact to always be "on"... I was able to "separate" it enough so that there was no contact, but still close enough for it to work, and it now works properly.

Good to know. I'd bet I have the same issue. I may not fix it though as I'm now used to being able to work the windows without having the key in the ignition.

DC
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Old Oct 3, 2020 | 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by 7t2vette


That is where it should be connected at the fuse panel. There is also a relay for the power windows mounted roughly under the stereo that may be malfunctioning or a previous owner might have bypassed for some reason.

EDIT: To the OP I see that you've already sorted it out as I was typing this.

BTW Mooser, like the aux relays mounting idea!

Thanks for the response 7T2vette... I'll let guys decide where it should be connected at the fuse box... I know a couple have said IGN, but I have connected it to the ACC location... I'm basing this off of the 1970 assembly manual (see the Note at the bottom of the page). It says to connect it to "Acc. Fused"... so as it stands, I have it connected to the ACC location, and all is working ok.

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Old Oct 3, 2020 | 03:58 PM
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Originally Posted by my1970conv
Thanks for the response 7T2vette... I'll let guys decide where it should be connected at the fuse box... I know a couple have said IGN, but I have connected it to the ACC location... I'm basing this off of the 1970 assembly manual (see the Note at the bottom of the page). It says to connect it to "Acc. Fused"... so as it stands, I have it connected to the ACC location, and all is working ok.
Interesting. My car is a 72 and in my copy of the AIM and also on the schematic I have hanging on the wall my garage, both show the relay connection going to the IGN terminal on the fuse panel. I guess they must’ve change things along the way!




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