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DISCUSSION => Electrical => Topic started by: Donkeyshins on July 11, 2009, 10:54:40 AM

Title: How to move windows from Ignition Position 2 to Position 1
Post by: Donkeyshins on July 11, 2009, 10:54:40 AM

I'm sure someone out there has done this before - does anyone have any idea on how to do this?  I'm getting tired of having to either leave my engine running or turn my ignition back on to Position 2 just to close my windows.  Searches have returned no results.

Thanks!

Title: How to move windows from Ignition Position 2 to Position 1
Post by: keflaman on July 11, 2009, 01:04:42 PM

I have power to my windows after I shut the ignition off and open the door far enough for the dome lights to come on.

It might help us to know what year and model your car is:D.

Title: How to move windows from Ignition Position 2 to Position 1
Post by: romeomike on July 11, 2009, 01:27:43 PM

This is a mod I am not planning to undertake, but I'll offer some thoughts.

Download an electrical troubleshooting manual. If you have a 1990 or 1991 model year, search for e30_91_modified_090512.pdf as it's the most complete. Otherwise go to http://www.wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm and download the appropriate ETM for your model year. Next paragraph reference is from the 91 ETM:

When you get to page 0670-3 (power distribution), you'll see the wiring coming from fuse 17. You can either reroute the white/black wire to a power source more to your liking in the engine compartment or try to reroute the green/blue wire that runs from C302 --> power window circuit breaker to a desired power source in the passenger compartment.

Title: How to move windows from Ignition Position 2 to Position 1
Post by: Donkeyshins on July 11, 2009, 01:42:07 PM

Quote from: keflaman;75118

I have power to my windows after I shut the ignition off and open the door far enough for the dome lights to come on.

It might help us to know what year and model your car is:D.

Sorry.  E30:  1991 318iS.

Title: Might be worth a try
Post by: romeomike on July 11, 2009, 02:34:39 PM

Small piece of inspiration. You can experiment by tapping the power lead from the cigarette lighter and run that to the window circuit breaker. I was putting air in the tires with a 12V compressor using the cigarette lighter without the key in the ignition -- and the light went on in my head.:) Fuse 28 has to be intact, but it's a 30A fuse (same as windows) and has the advantage of being hot at all times.

Let us know how this works out if you go this route.

Title: How to move windows from Ignition Position 2 to Position 1
Post by: ak96ss on July 12, 2009, 05:48:48 AM

As part of the alarm install, I put in a pair of Autoloc WC-1000 units. When the alarm arms, it rolls the windows up for me. Plus, I can roll the windows down with the remote, and both windows are now one-touch up and down. Just a thought.

Title: How to move windows from Ignition Position 2 to Position 1
Post by: BlackBMWs on August 18, 2009, 11:55:41 PM

Where is the power window circuit breaker located?  If in the fuse box, which one is it please?  Thanks!

Update:  rechecked fuse #17, that was my problem.  Now, what caused it to blow?

Title: How to move windows from Ignition Position 2 to Position 1
Post by: ak96ss on August 19, 2009, 04:11:45 AM

Power window circuit breaker is on the center console, right ahead of the passenger's window switch.

As to why the fuse blew - excessive current draw. Now you have to find the source of that...  :)

Perhaps a bad window motor?

Title: How to move windows from Ignition Position 2 to Position 1
Post by: romeomike on August 19, 2009, 12:25:36 PM

Quote from: BlackBMWs;77058

Where is the power window circuit breaker located?  If in the fuse box, which one is it please?  Thanks!

Update:  rechecked fuse #17, that was my problem.  Now, what caused it to blow?

In my case, a shorted wiring harness (B-pillar to right rear passenger door). Wires inside the tubular "grommet" fatigued/frayed/shorted from being flexed too many times by the rear door. Salvage yard wiring harness for the win.