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Power window relay mod

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Old Apr 25, 2022 | 09:10 AM
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Power window relay mod

This subject has been brought up before but I'm not finding anything definitive when it comes to a wire schematic.
After new window motors and cleaning, and re-lubing all of the moving parts the power windows in my 91 Firebird still need a little help getting up and down. I bought a
relay kit from Amazon relay kit from Amazon
and also have some replacement window switch plugs coming from eBay and the plan is to make a plug and play (sort of) relay setup to get more power to the window motors. Weighting the options available this seem to be the most cost effective way as there is a couple viable options in the https://bravetech.ca/product/retrofit-window-switch-auto-up-down-1982-1992-firebird-camaro/ which are pretty slick and the http://windowracer.com/, both of which are close to $200, I have not doubt that these products are top notch but if I can achieve the same result with a little bit of wiring I would rather go that route and put money in other places with my project.
The wire schematic below was posted in this thread, I'm not sure if it applies because OP was using push buttons to operate his windows, I replied to the thread asking if this schematic will work with factory window switches but it appears that most of the commenters haven't been active here for a little bit.

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Old Apr 25, 2022 | 08:24 PM
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Re: Power window relay mod

A product like "Window Racer" will supply a higher Voltage to the Power Window Motors.
In your situation, this would be the best option to take.

I absolutely prefer to use Relays over the Original Circuits...
But I do not see this really improving things for you.

If you really wanted to DIY something...
You will have to look into DC to DC step-up Converters (Half Bridge Converter).
Note: do not confuse this with a step-up Transformer, as used with AC.

Good luck!

Last edited by vorteciroc; Apr 25, 2022 at 11:51 PM.
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 12:12 PM
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Re: Power window relay mod

Originally Posted by vorteciroc
I absolutely prefer to use Relays over the Original Circuits...
But I do not see this really improving things for you.
Can you elaborate as to why adding relays won't improve window performance?
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 02:55 PM
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Re: Power window relay mod

I tried lots of things when I first got my Camaro and even bought a relay kit from someone off this forum. Little helped to improve speed...There are so many factor to having crap windows. Before dropping a ton of cash...Pull the door panel off and power the window motor directly. At that point, it is getting the most power you'd possibly get from a relay setup. If you are happy with the results, I say go for it. If not, you might think about greasing everything, upping the voltage, etc. Either way I'll be following this thread...
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 04:37 PM
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Transmission: 700R4
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Re: Power window relay mod

Originally Posted by badtenant
I tried lots of things when I first got my Camaro and even bought a relay kit from someone off this forum. Little helped to improve speed...There are so many factor to having crap windows. Before dropping a ton of cash...Pull the door panel off and power the window motor directly. At that point, it is getting the most power you'd possibly get from a relay setup. If you are happy with the results, I say go for it. If not, you might think about greasing everything, upping the voltage, etc. Either way I'll be following this thread...
Good point about applying direct voltage to see IF there is an improvement, before wiring relays I'll give that a try and see.
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 09:27 PM
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Re: Power window relay mod

Using a Relay does not in itself provide more Voltage to the Power Window Motors.
The purpose of the Relay, is to power the Power Window Motors, without the Window Switches having to handle the Amperage required.

To make this sound as simple/ basic, as I can... the following is not exactly how things work... but still explains things:
-The Relay is itself a Switch.
-It is a Switch that is turned ON or OFF by an Electric Magnet.
-The Relay is able to handle the Amperage required by the Window Motors.
-The Relay is connected DIRECTLY to the Power Source (Battery, Ignition Switch, Etc) and to the Window Motors.
-The Relay does not Increase the Voltage that is provided to the Power Window Motors.

-Now a Window Switch can be used, that is not capable of handling the Amperage required of the Window Motors.
-The Relay can be turned ON or OFF by any low Amperage device/ switch.
-The Window Switch is now NOT connected to the Window Motors.

The Power Window Motors that are used in our Cars, are slow moving even when new.
This is simply the way that they are.
Modern Power Windows operate at a far greater speed.

Increasing the Voltage to the Power Window Motors; like the Window Racer Products...
Seems to be about as good as can be, in order to have faster moving Windows.
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Old Apr 26, 2022 | 09:32 PM
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Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
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Re: Power window relay mod

There may be a very minor improvement in Speed...Less resistance (Ohms) the More Power available.
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Old Apr 28, 2022 | 09:57 AM
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Re: Power window relay mod

Originally Posted by vorteciroc
There may be a very minor improvement in Speed...Less resistance (Ohms) the More Power available.
I checked how many I have at the window motor plug last night, 12.6 amps on the driver side and 12.3 on the pass. This is with the car not running, I’m not there yet on the project, and also with a battery charger on the battery.
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Old Apr 28, 2022 | 09:59 AM
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Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt
Re: Power window relay mod

Originally Posted by vorteciroc
If you really wanted to DIY something...
You will have to look into DC to DC step-up Converters (Half Bridge Converter).
Note: do not confuse this with a step-up Transformer, as used with AC.

Good luck!
Can you give me some examples of half bridge converters
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Old Apr 28, 2022 | 05:42 PM
  #10  
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Re: Power window relay mod

This seems like a more affordable option to the Window Racer




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