1966 Bonneville Power Windows

[GrandpaDave]

Hi Larry & Fellow Pontiac Lovers - I have a problem that I hope you folks can help with. None of my power windows are working, I presume it is a fuse but there is nothing indicating where it is, if it is indeed on the fuse box. I tried looking up the manual on line but cannot find anything. I did purchase a wiring diagram a couple of years ago but it does not show anything regarding power windows. I have tried them from the driver's door and from the individual switches but nothing works. However, they were all working 3 weeks ago.
Hope you can help and keep up the good work on this site.

Dave

[Larry]

In our On-Line Reference Manual for 1966, on page 12-8 I did find a small diagram that showed the power window switch, and it does show a circuit breaker too. On the last page (or near) is a fuse chart that also shows a 40 amp circuit breaker for the power windows. (If you open this manual section, be patient, it is huge and takes some time.)

So, while I can't tell you where exactly it is or what it looks like, there is in fact a breaker that might be the problem. In the one small diagram it shows the breaker on the black wire going to the switch and between it and the switch connector. But often the schematic takes liberties and it doesn't always reflect actual location.

As far as the fuse block is concerned, the manual also shows all the fuse designations... none being for the power windows though. There are two accessory hookup spots on the fuse block, so I suspect that is where the windows are wired in (hense the seperate circuit breaker).

I just helped someone replace a window motor (which was in fact bad)only to find, after all the work was done, a broken connection in the bundle passing from the body into the door. Try holding the switch down while wiggling all the wires. If that doesn't work, I guess it might be time to go looking for that circuit breaker.

"They worked three weeks ago" reminds me of the old farmer who when his prize cow dropped over dead remarked "Funny, she ain't never done that before."

Let us know what you find, and how you fix it.

[GrandpaDave]

Good Morning Larry - I have checked the main power wire going to the driver's door with a circuit tester and there is no power. I also checked the wire itself and it is not broken. The schematic shows a breaker but I am pretty sure it is called a power window relay and I believe it is located behind the left kick panel where all the power window wires are routed from the driver's door. I have checked a couple of sources and they might be able to find one if I can get a part number. Is there any way I can find this out without taking the car apart and pulling out the old one?
Hope you or a member can help.
Dave

[Larry]

Hi Dave,

As I mentioned, in the schematic, showing it in one place for an electrician usually has no relavence to where it may actually be. Your thought of behind the kick panel sure sounds like a logical place, but might it be under the control panel on the door?

I do not, unfortunately, have a parts book covering '66. Just as a thought, have you considered the people who make new wiring harnesses? They should know where it is and perhaps what it might be number-wise; perhaps even have one. Check with Lectric Limited. They are one of the companies giving our members a discount. Check under "AFFILIATES" then "member Discounts."

Keep us posted.

[GrandpaDave]

Thanks for helping me along the way Larry. I finally figured it out. The power window breaker is indeed a 40 amp breaker and I found it mounted to the upper left corner of the fuse box. The orange power wire with a black stripe runs to it and there is a black wire running out of it which plugs into the IGN port on the box. The wire had come out of the fuse box (probably kicked it with my size 13's and didn't notice). In my information seeking, I did find that Ames in California carry the breaker and it is only $9, at least I know where to get it if it does go in the future. Anyway, the little guys and I are back cruising and everyone is happy.
Happy Motoring
Dave

[Larry]

Great! That's good news. We were on the right track, just took your Columbo work to locate the culprit.

Glad it wasn't even burned out, just disconnected. After a lot of work, it is surprising how often electrical problems turn out to be very simple, basic things. Good reason not to panic and to move slowly through the investigation. Not like the time many years ago when "fixing" a heater switch problem on my '71 Ford, I ripped the lower dash out (literally) and threw it over the fence into the neighbor's back yard, down a big hill. The only thing that solved was to give me time to cool down as I walked around the block to retreive the dash bottom.

Glad it turned out well.