So I’m needing to roll down my windows, but at this point I really don’t want to put a battery on the complete system without first checking all of the wiring, but I need to operate the windows so I can replace the window sweeps on the doors. What’s the best way to do this?

1: connect 12volt power to the wires coming out of the window motor?

2: connect 12 volt power to the window switch in the center console?

3: some other trick?

 

The power window 12V source is the junction block above the driver's side kick panel, kind of behind the parking brake release cable. There's a bunch of things that plug in there to get their power; power seats, rear defogger, and so forth. Mostly, high power consuming options.

Find the wire for the PW and put 12V on that. It'll take ALOT of juice; probably 25 amps or so. A typical battery charger probably won't cut it.

 

Thanks for that information. I actually plan on using a small lawn mower type battery so I can easily move it around as needed as I check over the wiring. I’ll just have to get my Fluke out and start digging in there now.

 

If your gonna be using a lawnmower battery to apply power to the various circuits your testing my best advice would be to make sure you have a fuse wired into one of the wires you'll be connecting to the battery. Autoparts stores sell a "pigtail" fuse socket that will be perfect for this. Make sure the fuse you use is appropriate for the circuit you intend to apply power to and you'll avoid any nasty surprises that could come from applying unfused power to what could be a shorted circuit.

 

already ahead of you on that one. I keep those kits in my tool box for a just in case. 👍👍

 

Last time I did this I just pulled the window switches and jambed some wires into the socket since it was a one time thing until I repaired the rest of the wiring harness in the engine compartment