Coupe electric window relay - jury rig?

AdrianH · 09-07-16, 01:54 PM

I urgently need to fix the usual non-operating electric windows in a 96 coupe. Having checked everything as best I can I find that if I hold the primary relay closed everything works fine, if I let it open then nothing works. It appears to me that all this relay does is power up the window circuitry in the 'ignition on' condition. Holding it closed keeps the window circuits live even in the 'ignition off' condition. This isn't any kind of problem to me –*but is there any hazard/risk/danger in simply wedging that primary relay to keep the windows powered up, ignition on or off? I haven't the time to start tracking the wiring fault up the ignition circuit.

4v6 · 09-07-16, 04:59 PM

Check all the fuses first, might well be an easy fix.

AdrianH · 09-07-16, 09:59 PM

I'll pull them all tomorrow, it's unclear which fuse serves the windows. The wiring on this thing makes a urQuattro seem quite simple...

AdrianH · 10-07-16, 05:34 PM

Well, by checking continuity in the relay traced down a cracked solder in the PCB –*only visible under a microscope. Re-soldered and hey presto! Working windows.

09-07-16, 04:59 PM	#2
4v6 Ex Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 5,565	Check all the fuses first, might well be an easy fix.

09-07-16, 09:59 PM	#3
AdrianH Grown up member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 218	I'll pull them all tomorrow, it's unclear which fuse serves the windows. The wiring on this thing makes a urQuattro seem quite simple...

10-07-16, 05:34 PM	#4
AdrianH Grown up member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 218	Well, by checking continuity in the relay traced down a cracked solder in the PCB –*only visible under a microscope. Re-soldered and hey presto! Working windows.