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SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

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Old May 17, 2009 | 01:52 PM
  #1  
Surfer Matt's Avatar
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From: Point Pleasant, NJ
Car: 2008 Ford F-450, 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Automatic
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SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

My windows and mirrors do move are sluggish to move. Since it is both windows and both mirrors I'm not sure if it's power supply, each individual motor, or something else completely.

Any suggestions?
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Old May 17, 2009 | 02:32 PM
  #2  
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From: Oglesby,TX
Car: 91 RS T-top
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Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

well for one you might want to clean the trcks and regrease them that should help some.

Our window motors tend to be slow anyways when compared to a newer model vehical.
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Old May 17, 2009 | 03:27 PM
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Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

Well, first of all, are you sure they're definitely running slow compared to other Camaros and Firebirds? The window motors are know for being slow even when new so they may be working fine. If so, they all run off the same wiring harness so there could be a problem there. If all four are running too slow it's unlikely that all four motors have problems so it would likely be in the harness somewhere.
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Old May 17, 2009 | 06:00 PM
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From: Point Pleasant, NJ
Car: 2008 Ford F-450, 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: Stock Posi
Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

Since this is my second 1985 T/A, and I've owned 4 T/A's over 15 years, I can definately say, that they are moving MUCH slower than normal F-body windows are supposed to.
What's odd to me is that all 4 motor functions are so slow (the two windows and the two mirrors). Before I replace all the motors and open the doors for track greasing, I wanted to make sure there wasn't a more common solution.
Power was my first thought. Can I divide the harness or do I replace the entire wiring system?
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Old May 17, 2009 | 07:05 PM
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Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

The power windows, locks, and mirrors are on a separate interior harness. Actually, on an '85 the power mirror harness runs together with the window and lock harness but is actually a separate stand alone piece. On your car both harnesses plug into the distribution block behind the driver's side front kick panel so you may want to check there. Since the windows and mirrors are on separate harnesses on your car the problem would probably have to be at the distribution block or ahead of it.
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Old May 18, 2009 | 08:14 AM
  #6  
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From: Point Pleasant, NJ
Car: 2008 Ford F-450, 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: Stock Posi
Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

That is GREAT advice. Thanks for the pushing me in the right direction. I pulled open the kick plate access to find the the Distribution Block, looked weatherd and tired. It's likely this could be the root of the problem. Looking to pick up a replacement today. And if it isn't the source of the problem.... well it looked like it needed replacing anyway.

Great post! Thanks!
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Old May 18, 2009 | 11:03 AM
  #7  
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Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

Another thing that slows down electric window motors too are old dried out door sweeps. You can buy a can of silicone spray at the parts store to spray the old rubber around the window. This is a temporary fix and over time all seals should be replaced if damaged.

White grease should be applied to the track from time to time as well. The less drag on that window motor the longer it will last.
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Old May 24, 2009 | 08:18 AM
  #8  
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From: Point Pleasant, NJ
Car: 2008 Ford F-450, 1985 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: Stock Posi
Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

Originally Posted by 1ATony
Another thing that slows down electric window motors too are old dried out door sweeps. You can buy a can of silicone spray at the parts store to spray the old rubber around the window. This is a temporary fix and over time all seals should be replaced if damaged.

White grease should be applied to the track from time to time as well. The less drag on that window motor the longer it will last.

Ya know it's such a simple thing, and yet I have never done that, ever. Great idea, Thanks!!!
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Old May 24, 2009 | 11:55 AM
  #9  
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From: New Brunswick, NJ
Car: 92 Camaro Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T-5
Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

I feel like this thread would be the perfect place to also ask my question.

My driver side window literally takes about a minute or two to close. At first it moves really slow and closes/ opens only half way before stopping. Then i have to wait bout 30 seconds to a minute until i try again. When i try again it closes/ opens the rest of the way. On a bad day it may even take three attempts.

My passenger window, on the other hand, closes just fine. Nice and Quick and everything. Thanks for your help.
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Old May 24, 2009 | 11:59 AM
  #10  
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Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

I've seen a thread here on TGO about upgrading the wiring size & feeding the motors with more power, making them much faster.

I'm sure a good will turn it up.
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Old May 25, 2009 | 09:09 AM
  #11  
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Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

Originally Posted by Camaroz2892
My driver side window literally takes about a minute or two to close. At first it moves really slow and closes/ opens only half way before stopping. Then i have to wait bout 30 seconds to a minute until i try again. When i try again it closes/ opens the rest of the way. On a bad day it may even take three attempts.
Your problem sounds like you definitely need to replace your motor. We have them available on our website if you need one.
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 05:26 PM
  #12  
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Car: 1987 IROC Z
Engine: 350 TPI L98 block
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Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

Originally Posted by Stephen
I've seen a thread here on TGO about upgrading the wiring size & feeding the motors with more power, making them much faster.

I'm sure a good will turn it up.
I ask thee to invoke your search powers, because I couldn't find it !! Can you see if you can since you might know some of the keywords ?
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 05:42 PM
  #13  
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From: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

Originally Posted by omnipotentgoku
I ask thee to invoke your search powers, because I couldn't find it !! Can you see if you can since you might know some of the keywords ?
First search....
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/sear...archid=1953825
Fifth result down.....
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...ate-power.html

Bigger gauge wiring and/or a separate Relay can also help. If your old motors are just worn, not much is gonna help, sort of replacing them. Even then, brand new motors aren't exactly very fast.
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Old Jun 2, 2009 | 10:54 AM
  #14  
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Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

Originally Posted by Surfer Matt
Ya know it's such a simple thing, and yet I have never done that, ever. Great idea, Thanks!!!
You're welcome.Here's a link to our Window Motor Section if you end up needing one.
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 10:10 PM
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Car: 87 Formula 350
Engine: 350tpi
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Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

Just for added info, I replaced the circuit breaker in the fuse box today and my windows move noticeably faster and smoother. It was a $4 part.
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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 09:25 AM
  #16  
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Re: SLOW Power Windows & Mirrors

Originally Posted by tpi90rs
Just for added info, I replaced the circuit breaker in the fuse box today and my windows move noticeably faster and smoother. It was a $4 part.
Cool, you would be surprised on how much old seals will slow a motor down, and that's on any vehicle.
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