Power Window Switch Relocation?

[guruerror]

Has anyone successfully relocated the power window switches...somewhere...anywhere...like the center console, maybe?

[coopcj7]

ex miata man over on the solstice forum has a great relocation that puts them in the a pillar and they are easily accessible

[nomead]

has anyone swapped the standard passenger window switches (either or both sides) to the auto-down one from the driver's window?

[guruerror]

I saw a dude that got the door locks on the a-pillar...that was pretty hot. GM should have followed suit.

I'd really like to get the window controls on the console, just off the top corners of the shifter opening. If both could be auto-down switches that would be fantastic...or just one auto-down switch that controls both windows simultaneously.

I would imagine that these switches are not terribly sophisticated...it is just a switch after all; it simply connects two (or more) contacts when pressed. I'm wondering if a generic power window switch could be jumpered to the wiring harness of the existing window controls?

I may just scour ebay for a Saturn (or Saturn-esk) switch from an alternate model...one that has a bezel for a neat finish and give it a try.

[WishfulThinking]

I never got the impression that auto-down was a function of the switch. I thought the switch was just an input to more sophisticated controls in the dash.

[guruerror]

I agree...but an auto-down switch would likely have an extra contact(s) inside that would connect the circuit necessary to tell the window motor to put the window down all the way when the button is depressed (or raised) to the auto position.

If a particular car is not equipped with an auto-down button from the factory I would assume that that feature is not available on the window motor; therefore the installation of such a button would not give said car that ability...you'd have no wire to jumper the pins responsible for 'auto-down' to.

I ordered a set of power window buttons from ebay. Once they arrive I'll try to tap into the wiring harness comming off the existing window switch and see if the new button works. I'm betting it will. If so, I'll be modding my console next to get the switches mounted.

[WishfulThinking]

I don't know for sure how it works in the Sky. In my Mercury, it's not an extra position on the switch, it's just based on duration. If you hold it longer than some fraction of a second, it assumes you want manual control. Also, if I recall correctly, the motor on it only has two wires. I assume (in its case) that the computer keeps the relay closed on a timer.

That said, I'm sure different manufacturers take different approaches. I just wanted to bring up the possibility.

[Demon_C5]

I don't know for sure how it works in the Sky. In my Mercury, it's not an extra position on the switch, it's just based on duration.

That may certainly be the case, it seems to be different for each vehicle. Our 02' Cavalier has an extra switch position for auto-down. Push it lightly and it goes down as long as you hold it. Push it all the way until it clicks and it's auto-down. We just bought our 08 Sky and I haven't had a chance to look at the switch, so obviously I have no idea on how it works.

On my C5 Vette, it's actually time-controlled like your Mercury. Both drive/passenger windows are auto down if you tap it once quickly. If you hold it down more than 1sec, then from there on it's manual mode and it will go down till you release.

[coopcj7]

the switch in my sky is auto down by pushing it then push harder till it clicks and it continues to go down

[bobarry]

my window switches are fine where they are!
i easily access them and the seat belt using my RIGHT hand.
if you are left handed I guess you have a problem.

bo

[JRinKY]

I don't have any problem with the switch location. It took about a month to get used to using my right hand, and now its second nature. Sometimes I find myself trying to do it in my truck.

The passenger door window switches are both double pole double throw switches.

The driver's door window switch is a rheostat that controls a circuit board for up, down, and express down. Control of the window motor is through a relay. The express down function in the Kappa is actuated by position, not time.

[pastohio]

Years ago when Corvette had the switches on the console, a lot of people got their fingers caught in the windows while driving, and the left hand was in the open window and they hit the buttons on the console and/or the passenger did it to them.....