Odd Window Request

[Ustauk]

I've got power windows in my Eurosport. If I take the keys with me, my wife can't roll down or put up the windows in the car. She's concerned that she wouldn't have time to dig out her keys in an emergency, ie if a pan-handler becomes overly agressive and she needs to close the window in a hurry (becoming more and more of a problem in Edmonton, especially downtown where we live). Short of replacing the doors with ones that use manual windows from the junk yard, is there way to run power to the motors all the time? I know this would drain the battery, but we usually use the car at least every two days or so. Any suggestions? In the meantime, I always leave my keys in the ignition for her. Thanks.

[RIPBARNBURNER]

I wonder if you could run a timed relay or something? my Ford has power windows and when the car is off, and you take the keys out of the ignition, as long as you dont open a door, the windows still work for about 20 minutes or so.

[dcjredline]

Dont leave her in the car. You can just power them all the time it shouldnt drain the battery. I dont think I would leave my wife in a place that was that dangerous alone.

[mechanizeddeath]

I was going to suggest a .38, but you guys are in Canada. Not sure that's an option. ;)

[Ustauk]

Dont leave her in the car. You can just power them all the time it shouldn't drain the battery. I don't think I would leave my wife in a place that was that dangerous alone.

Most of the time my wife does indeed come with me. The panhandlers here in Edmonton have become much more aggressive; they used to only panhandle you when you were walking on the street, primarily in the downtown area; this still occurs, but we've been approached parked inside our vehicle multiple times in different, usually safe areas around the city. So far they just ask for change, but it'd be too easy for them to conceal a knife or other weapon, and they'll often hide there approach using other parked cars as cover. Even reaching over to turn on the keys could take too long. It sucks I can't run in and grab something while my wife relaxes in the car with the radio on, without having to worry about being approached. I guess that's the price we pay for being a growing city :(

[Ustauk]

I was going to suggest a .38, but you guys are in Canada. Not sure that's an option. ;)

Not an option up here. You can own non-prohibited firearms (no automatics or conversions, other weapons like a taser), but they can only be used in designated areas like a range or when out hunting, and otherwise must be kept locked up, trigger-locked up, and stored separate from the ammunition. You can get a license to carry a firearm, but this is only granted rarely, like in the case of a security guard, armoured car guard, or trapper. Its even illegal to use bear/pepper spray on human, though they'll likely go easier on you then if you used an improvised club or bladed weapon. The key is you have to use an appropriate (http://www.self-defender.net/law5.htm) level of force, and legally, that's hard to prove. Still, you're always better off bashing the guy in the head and dealing with jail time rather then you being knifed and dying :)

[mechanizeddeath]

Around here, I've only been approached exiting bars at night. I guess they figure happy drunk people are going to be far more willing to share. During the day I've seen the "homeless and hungry" sign holders give up in frustration after the 4th time someone hands them a sandwich. ;)

[LordDurock]

Around here, I've only been approached exiting bars at night. I guess they figure happy drunk people are going to be far more willing to share. During the day I've seen the "homeless and hungry" sign holders give up in frustration after the 4th time someone hands them a sandwich. ;)

thats what i do piss them off and give them food. :). im lucky were i live i can keep a hand gun in my car that's loaded with the safety on as well as keep a long gun (rifle or shotgun) in my car as long as a round is not chambered........and yes i do take advantage of that even though there is little crime in my neck of the woods

[weroberts]

Run a jumper wire in the fuse box from an empty battery terminal to the fuse plug for the windows. No guns required.

[Prospeeder]

please use a fused jumper wire

[turbokinetic]

I have done this to most of my cars. Very easy and no hacked wiring needed. All modifications are on the back side of the fusebox.

Turn off battery first.

Take the fuse box out and turn it around so you can see the back. The windows circuit breaker has one large wire that leads to the window switches; and the other leg of the breaker connects to a copper "buss bar." This feeds the window breaker and some other fuses, too.

Cut the buss bar, leaving the window breaker by its self. Leave the other fuses connected to the orignal power source.

Solder a jumper wire from the POWER LOCKS breaker supply buss to the now-isolated WINDOWS breaker supply buss.

The original power source for the windows supply was controlled by the key switch. The supply for the locks is hot all the time. By making this change, the windows will also be hot all the time.

It WILL NOT drain the battery. You can run the windows up and down MANY MANY times before the battery suffers.

Thanks,
David

[turbokinetic]

My home computer is down and I am not due to get home for a while yet. On that server, I have a picture of a modified fusebox. Will try to post that when I get home if someone reminds me.

Thanks,
David

[Ustauk]

My home computer is down and I am not due to get home for a while yet. On that server, I have a picture of a modified fusebox. Will try to post that when I get home if someone reminds me.

Thanks,
David


Thank you. I've not soldered before, but it may will be worth it to try a few hobby projects first, and then do this. Thanks again!