Window Motor Relay Upgrade

Grimpalahat · Mar 14, 2022

Trying to figure out if the window motors would benefit from heavier gauge wiring and a relay at the individual motors? Ala the headlight relay upgrade bypassing the headlight switch.

Is power for the motors run through the switches?

AK49BWL · Mar 15, 2022

Power is run through the switches, but these switches are very well built for the current that runs through them, which is around 12a max per window when it's reached the end stops, 3-5 amps running normally unless you have problems with binding or a faulty motor. The factory wiring is 14 or 16 gauge depending on year, which is enough for the load. Switching to relays wouldn't give much if any benefit.

WILWAXU · Mar 16, 2022

I added relays in my doors for the windows, and recently the locks. As you can imagine, they work MUCH better, well worth the effort.

There's a couple shots of the window relays in my build thread: https://www.gmt400.com/threads/swap-meet-slam.42821/page-5

Grimpalahat · Mar 16, 2022

WILWAXU said:
I added relays in my doors for the windows, and recently the locks. As you can imagine, they work MUCH better, well worth the effort.

There's a couple shots of the window relays in my build thread: https://www.gmt400.com/threads/swap-meet-slam.42821/page-5

What modifications did you have to do to the kit to make it work with the newer wiring? I'm sure the colors were different, was that the only issue?

WILWAXU · Mar 16, 2022

Grimpalahat said:
What modifications did you have to do to the kit to make it work with the newer wiring? I'm sure the colors were different, was that the only issue?

From memory, only the wiring colors were different. It is very straight forward. Basically spicing the relays into the harness before the motor and running hot/ground wiring.

GoToGuy · Mar 16, 2022

It is one system that has worked well as designed. Replacing the mechanical components as they age or fail. Are you suspecting a lack of power for what could be a weak motor or failing solenoid.
This just sounds like "reinventing the wheel"
The headlight mod has to do with high current loads. ( Amps and heat).
The windows, locks don't have those issues.
A slow window? Lube the tracks, check voltage, poor grounds, corrosion in connections, motor at end of life? Good luck.

PlayingWithTBI · Mar 16, 2022

GoToGuy said:
A slow window? Lube the tracks, check voltage, poor grounds, corrosion in connections, motor at end of life? Good luck.

When I did my 88, I cleaned the tracks, unstuck the wheels, and lubed everything up with white lithium grease. After that they ran up/down twice as fast :waytogo:

Grimpalahat · Mar 17, 2022

What do you guys use to lube the upper tracks(felt/rubber)?

Erik the Awful · Mar 18, 2022

Grimpalahat said:
What do you guys use to lube the upper tracks(felt/rubber)?

Nothing. Clean and dry. It helps if your seals are relatively new.

Window Motor Relay Upgrade

Grimpalahat

Newbie

AK49BWL

GMT400 Forever!

WILWAXU

I'm Awesome

Grimpalahat

Newbie

WILWAXU

I'm Awesome

GoToGuy

I'm Awesome

PlayingWithTBI

2022 Truck of the Year

Grimpalahat

Newbie

Erik the Awful

Supporting Member

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