C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

power window switch wires

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 9, 2014 | 01:00 PM
  #1  
biackbenz's Avatar
biackbenz
Thread Starter
Drifting
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 127
From: Mequon WI
Default power window switch wires

1978 with power windows which work intermittantly. Sometimes go up and down smoothly, most other times they dont function at all. I suspect bad switches which seem to be non original. Can anyone tell me what the wires are?

BLUE

BROWN

RED

these are the wires at the right switch.

Could be a bad groud too. Dumb question needs a smart answer. Is that silver cylinder next to the switches the circuit breaker? I dont see one on the fuse block.
Thanks

Jim

Last edited by biackbenz; Aug 9, 2014 at 01:04 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2014 | 01:45 PM
  #2  
Peterbuilt's Avatar
Peterbuilt
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 1,562
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Default

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/tune.../index22.shtml
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2014 | 07:28 PM
  #3  
Cavu2u's Avatar
Cavu2u
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
Default

My guess is it's either the relay's ground connection or points.
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2014 | 11:12 AM
  #4  
Richard454's Avatar
Richard454
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,884
Likes: 3,561
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Default

I have seen a lot of the repo switches just not handle the current - and burn up the contacts.

A couple relays per side solves the problem w/ the inferior quality Chinese switches.

OH- don't use the Chinese relays either!!! You can still find the old good ones made by Bosch (Tyco bought them out) on eBay.

On the diagram- I have added the relays just on the right motor-


Last edited by Richard454; Aug 12, 2014 at 03:08 PM. Reason: replace pic
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2014 | 04:03 PM
  #5  
minitech's Avatar
minitech
Safety Car
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Default

I just had the passenger go out. Down position. The motor was working great. Drivers works as usual. Seems the switch doesn't make a sound like the motor in either direction, not further down (It is al the way down) unless it is not supposed to have any sound when down already.

Must be the switch?

Or motor ground?
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2014 | 08:06 PM
  #6  
Peterbuilt's Avatar
Peterbuilt
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 1,562
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Default

Originally Posted by minitech
I just had the passenger go out. Down position. The motor was working great. Drivers works as usual. Seems the switch doesn't make a sound like the motor in either direction, not further down (It is al the way down) unless it is not supposed to have any sound when down already.

Must be the switch?

Or motor ground?

The motor grounds to the door.
While trying the switch watch the battery gauge, if it deflects the motor is stuck.
On the motor one terminal makes the window go up the other terminal is for down, if the motor works with a jumper check for a broken wire between the door and the body or check the switch.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2014 | 08:35 AM
  #7  
biackbenz's Avatar
biackbenz
Thread Starter
Drifting
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 127
From: Mequon WI
Default

As I first suspected, I have bad switches. Tried to rebuild them but they had been apart before. They work now but I'm not certain the body clips - what is left of them will hold. Did not put console covers back on and will try them for a while. Appears these swiches were repaired once before. No dielectric grease and the points look pretty worn. I sanded them and they tested good but not sure I have a good assembly unless I do something drastis to hold the switch plate to the body. Maybe time to just replace them.

Thanks for all the help and wiring diagrams from everyone.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2014 | 11:10 AM
  #8  
Cavu2u's Avatar
Cavu2u
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
Default

Originally Posted by biackbenz
As I first suspected, I have bad switches. Tried to rebuild them but they had been apart before. They work now but I'm not certain the body clips - what is left of them will hold. Did not put console covers back on and will try them for a while. Appears these swiches were repaired once before. No dielectric grease and the points look pretty worn. I sanded them and they tested good but not sure I have a good assembly unless I do something drastis to hold the switch plate to the body. Maybe time to just replace them.

Thanks for all the help and wiring diagrams from everyone.
No maybe about it. R & R those dudes and be done with it.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 First Look: Everything You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-8

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
Old Aug 11, 2014 | 05:44 PM
  #9  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

I was getting ready to post a photo, but when I read and looked at the thread I notice that the photo from my website was already posted. AND modified. Not cool.

I don't mind you using my pictures but you should maybe ask first before using it and publishing it as your own.

********

The switches can be re-built multiple times.. I've done it. If the casting is broken just pick a new area to steak the module in.

Here is the video we did on rebuilding the switches in case someone else is reading this.



Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Aug 11, 2014 at 09:34 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2014 | 11:05 PM
  #10  
Richard454's Avatar
Richard454
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,884
Likes: 3,561
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Default

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
I was getting ready to post a photo, but when I read and looked at the thread I notice that the photo from my website was already posted. AND modified. Not cool.

I don't mind you using my pictures but you should maybe ask first before using it and publishing it as your own.
I had no idea it was your diagram...It was emailed to me by a fellow forum member who wanted to know how to add relays since his switches had only lasted a couple months. The diagram I modded had no logo or any info on it. I always give credit where credit is due. I just this eventing- went to your website and could not find the diagram.

Plus -If I knew it was your diagram- why would I put it on my flickr or photobucket account. Sort of like sleeping w/ someones wife and leaving your business card on the nightstand.

And I (and sure others) appreciate what you guys do for us fellow Corvette owners!!!

Richard
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2014 | 06:04 AM
  #11  
Cavu2u's Avatar
Cavu2u
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,569
Likes: 126
From: San Diego California
Default

Originally Posted by Richard454
I wonder why they step down to the smaller 14 gauge wire from the switches to the motors. Simultaneous operation of both windows explains the 12 gauge input I guess.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2014 | 09:41 AM
  #12  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

Originally Posted by Richard454
I had no idea it was your diagram...It was emailed to me by a fellow forum member who wanted to know how to add relays since his switches had only lasted a couple months. The diagram I modded had no logo or any info on it. I always give credit where credit is due. I just this eventing- went to your website and could not find the diagram.

Plus -If I knew it was your diagram- why would I put it on my flickr or photobucket account. Sort of like sleeping w/ someones wife and leaving your business card on the nightstand.

And I (and sure others) appreciate what you guys do for us fellow Corvette owners!!!

Richard
Richard-

It's all good.. You'll find it in a pdf under repair and install help. http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=207

It was logo'd at one time, and not the first time a logo has gone away.
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2014 | 08:54 PM
  #13  
minitech's Avatar
minitech
Safety Car
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Default

Originally Posted by Peterbuilt
The motor grounds to the door.
While trying the switch watch the battery gauge, if it deflects the motor is stuck.
On the motor one terminal makes the window go up the other terminal is for down, if the motor works with a jumper check for a broken wire between the door and the body or check the switch.

Thank you for the information. The meter did change with the switch so motor was stuck. I wrapped the motor area on the door with a little sledge and the motor came to life.

Now, do I change the motor out? It runs strong like a champ. Window is nicely aligned with the trim.

If I keep it from going all the way down does that stop it from getting stuck?
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2014 | 09:43 PM
  #14  
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Default

Have you looked at the teeth on the regulator gear, or the motor gear... You might want to look at both of these before you move forward.

Willcox
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2014 | 11:02 PM
  #15  
Peterbuilt's Avatar
Peterbuilt
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,431
Likes: 1,562
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Default

Glad you got it to work again.
I am just a hobbiest and only changed the regulator on the door once but it was a very difficult job for me.
After removing the glass and the regulator I found out you have to put a bolt between the regulator body and the big gear to safely remove the motor.
Reassembling everything and getting the glass to fit in the weatherstripping was another problem for me.
After all that if I lower the window all the way and go up, my window goes up 2 inches and gets stuck.
The motor hangs up on the lower glass channel.
If I pull the back end of the motor towards the inside just about 1/8" of an inch it goes up just fine.
I just learned to stop 2 inches from the bottom and that is good enough for now.
You are in good hands with Willcox so follow his advice from here on out.
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2014 | 07:18 AM
  #16  
minitech's Avatar
minitech
Safety Car
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Default

Originally Posted by Peterbuilt
Glad you got it to work again.
I am just a hobbiest and only changed the regulator on the door once but it was a very difficult job for me.
After removing the glass and the regulator I found out you have to put a bolt between the regulator body and the big gear to safely remove the motor.
Reassembling everything and getting the glass to fit in the weatherstripping was another problem for me.
After all that if I lower the window all the way and go up, my window goes up 2 inches and gets stuck.
The motor hangs up on the lower glass channel.
If I pull the back end of the motor towards the inside just about 1/8" of an inch it goes up just fine.
I just learned to stop 2 inches from the bottom and that is good enough for now.
You are in good hands with Willcox so follow his advice from here on out.
I replaced the regulators on both sides, but not motors, last year and it was a pain to get them set up just right. That is why I hesitate to take it apart again.


Since it was the first time getting stuck I'll keep an eye on it for now.

Willcox is the man though. One time I needed a plug for a C4 fan I was putting in my C3 and contacted him. He went and got a plug and put it up for sale on his vendor site just so I could get it.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To power window switch wires





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:11 PM.

story-0
2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 First Look: Everything You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Is the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 the best Silverado yet?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-16 08:01:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers

Slideshow: 5 best and 5 worst Corvette daily drivers

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 10:32:13


VIEW MORE
story-2
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained

Slideshow: The headlights of every Corvette generation explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 10:17:14


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-5
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE