weird window operation

[Huw Powell]

>   Here's the problem: sometimes when I first start my '86 5ktq the windows and
> sunroof don't work. The switches don't even light up. Sometimes they start
> working within a minute and sometimes it takes 20-30 minutes.

I'd suspect three things...

1. Most likely - the control unit that lets you operate the windows and
roof after the key is out and off but before the door is opened.

The unit might be failing to come on until it gets warmed up a bit.  You
mioght want to check your door switches, but once the key is on the door
switch signal doesn't affect operation.

This "module" which looks like a relay (single space I think?) is
probably in the aux relay panel over the driver's knees.

Since it completely controls power delivery to both systems, failure
here would explain all symptoms.  Try to beg/borrow/steal a known good
one and swap it in.

2. The thermal circuit breakers for the windows and roof - quite
unlikely I think, since as I recall there are two, one for each system.
  But if I'm wrong, that is a device that can kill all power to both as
well.

3. driver's door jamb wiring... unlikely in the sense that the sunroof
wiring does not travel through this carpal tunnel.  BUT, if there are
frayed wires in there and they somehow manage to short out, they could
take sunroof power out with them.  But the timing of your problem sounds
more like "no go at start, always ends up working fine" rather than
"intermittent", which is what I would expect in this scenario.

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/