Power windows and locks, Rusty Ground Buss

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KilgoreTrout

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This is driving me crazy. Neither of the windows or locks work. I replaced all the switches with new ones and still got nothing (at least the new lock switches make the relay click now!)
On the locks, I have 12v coming off the relay when I hit the lock switch, but no power to the actuator.

On the windows, I'm actually getting 12v to the window motors, but they won't run. I bought 2 new motors. They won't run either.
Any help or pointers would be appreciated.

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Charlie

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:welcome:
 

KilgoreTrout

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Just stuff. Trying to troubleshoot the power windows and door locks.
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HotRodPC

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Just stuff. Trying to troubleshoot the power windows and door locks.
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Be sure to get the ground buss at the driver side kick panel. There's like what looks to be a junction where all those wire come together on the driver side kick panel just up inside the dash. It's riveted or bolted to the sheet metal. If can get loose or gets a little rust behind it and the wires lose good ground and it'll keep the power windows from working. All the wire chasing I did on my 85 K1500, and it turned out that's all it was. Cleaned the terminals, IIRC, I cleaned the sheet metal, and used a good quality self tapper and anchored it down in a different spot and covered it with silicone to seal it and prevent any more rusting and they worked fine when I sold it.
 

KilgoreTrout

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Be sure to get the ground buss at the driver side kick panel. There's like what looks to be a junction where all those wire come together on the driver side kick panel just up inside the dash. It's riveted or bolted to the sheet metal. If can get loose or gets a little rust behind it and the wires lose good ground and it'll keep the power windows from working. All the wire chasing I did on my 85 K1500, and it turned out that's all it was. Cleaned the terminals, IIRC, I cleaned the sheet metal, and used a good quality self tapper and anchored it down in a different spot and covered it with silicone to seal it and prevent any more rusting and they worked fine when I sold it.
Hey man, just wanted to thank you again for the tip. I got in there tonight, found the ground buss, and it was a corroded mess.
I cleaned everything up, installed all new connectors, and oxguarded the **** out of everything.
It's the first time I've ever seen the power windows work, so I'm pretty stoked.

I can't believe there were no pics of this online, though. I looked everywhere and couldn't seem to find any.
Oh well, I've got them now. Haha...

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KilgoreTrout

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Pics of what I'm talking about.
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HotRodPC

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Hey man, just wanted to thank you again for the tip. I got in there tonight, found the ground buss, and it was a corroded mess.
I cleaned everything up, installed all new connectors, and oxguarded the **** out of everything.
It's the first time I've ever seen the power windows work, so I'm pretty stoked.

I can't believe there were no pics of this online, though. I looked everywhere and couldn't seem to find any.
Oh well, I've got them now. Haha...

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That's awesome. Every now and then we know we what we're talking about around here. Good Job. :waytogo: And thanks for coming back to update on the cure and providing great pics.
 
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Goldie Driver

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Good Job !

Out of curiosity , why did you replace the wires ?

Britt
 

KilgoreTrout

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Good Job !

Out of curiosity , why did you replace the wires ?

Britt
I just replaced the connectors because the stock ones were in really bad shape (and I had these in my garage). The old ones were corroded so bad I had a hell of a time even getting them off.
I considered cleaning them but this was quicker and easier, and hopefully better.

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KilgoreTrout

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Another note on this: I'm not sure removing the left kick panel is really necessary. I did most of the work through the driver's side lower air vent hole and under the dash. The lower air duct is probably the biggest obstacle.

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gmachinz

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Wow-that bussbar was as bad as I’ve ever seen!
 

HotRodPC

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Yep, mine was fairly rusty but not that bad.
 

KilgoreTrout

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Great. Now I'm gonna be known for the rustiest buss bar. [emoji16]

I honestly think a lot of my issues are going to be grounds. Nothing is really chopped other than the plow install and addons for a CB, etc.
I'm gonna go through every one of them before I do anything else.
I'm a little concerned that my check engine light never comes on.


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TerColHan

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Bad grounds account for 90% of electrical problems, at least that's my experience.
 

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