Power windows question

[BobSacamano]

So I am adding power windows to my 96 ranger. I am using the factory wiring diagrams and tying in to the electrical system. I’ve already done this for the power locks. To make it easier I have made my own harness. I got a GEM module from the junkyard with the power window connections so I can have the one touch down feature. I have it all ready for the power window regulators. Then I got to thinking that it would be a lot simpler to use the aftermarket power windows that just connect to the crank on your original. Does anyone see any reason why that would not work?

 

[RobbieD]

The "add a motor to manual window regulators" kits from (many ) years ago, when I was in automotive aftermarket, just barely worked, before they invariably broke or failed.

Having said that, I simply don't know if any of the current kits are any better. Maybe someone with one, or has tried one, will chime in.


Honestly, *if it were me* on a '96 truck, or anything post-1995 with GEM controlled windows, I'd look at replacing the manual regulators w/ cranks, with OEM power regulators w/ OEM motors. Then I'd not worry about the GEM, and just wire the new power window motors to a pair of DPDT switches (such as earlier OEM switches).

For driver's window auto down, the OEM setup through '94 was a small module added inline in the driver's door to the motor's down wire. I'd go this route.

Another consideration, is that to repair the power window system down the road, dealing with aftermarket parts is a huge pain the ass, usually not being available anywhere. By using OEM parts to build a simpler power window system, your replacement parts situation will very likely be much easier.

You'd basically just be building an OEM pre-GEM power window system into a later truck that changed in '95 to using a GEM for the windows.

 

[BobSacamano]

Thank you so much for the reply. that is a lot of good information. I looked at the wiring diagram for a 94 ranger and it did not have the one touch down feature but I did look in the 94 explorer diagram and found the one touchdown module that you were talking about. It is in the drivers door. The thing is, I have everything lined up and ready to go with the factory switches, relays and wiring. All I need is the power window regulators. I was just thinking about the ease of not removing the manual regulators and trying the aftermarket ones that connect to the crank. Although it may not be as good as OEM, that would still work, right?

 

[RobbieD]

I was just thinking about the ease of not removing the manual regulators and trying the aftermarket ones that connect to the crank. Although it may not be as good as OEM, that would still work, right?

Yes, it should work. And I do understand your wanting to avoid the regulator change-out, so I think that it'd be worth a try.

All that the motors care about (or need, to operate), are power and ground; 2 wires, wired as a reversible-on-selection circuit (i.e.- in order to have "up" and "down").

My experience was with various aftermarket kits was in the 1980s, in which all of them a flexible drive was used to couple the motors to the splined manual crank stub. Those didn't work very well. In fairness, materials and design are probably much better today,

The good news is that with today's internet, you can research what's out there, and in many cases see customer feedback on the product. And find the best deals.

Good luck with it!

 

[BobSacamano]

I’ve got it all working great. Power mirrors, windows and locks with stock switches. One touch down works great. Wanted to post a video but couldn’t figure out how to do it. Thanks for the help @RobbieD .

 

[RobbieD]

I’ve got it all working great. Power mirrors, windows and locks with stock switches. One touch down works great.

I'm really glad to hear that. Thank you for following up, and congratulations!