Chevrolet Repair: Power Windows/Locks dont work, time alice, pink wire

Question
QUESTION: Hi Wayne,

The power windows/locks don't work in my 1988 S-10 Chevy pick-up. We don't seem to know what the problem is. We've checked the fuses and kinda looked over the wires on the door leading to under the steering column...seemed fine. My husband seems to think there is a power switch module, but is unable to locate it. Could it be the wiring. Is it possible for you to send me a pic of the entire wiring system for this model?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Alice

ANSWER: Hey,

 If the switch doesn't feel funny and the fuses are ok the most common spot for failure is the harness that goes between the drivers door and the door pillar.  Considering that the vehicle is 20 years old just open the driver door and carefully pull back that black corrugated rubber cover.  It pushes into the door and the pillar.  If you don't have the room to do that slice it open VERY CAREFULLY and inspect the wiring harness.  Those wires can only bend back and forth so many times before they fracture.  I have had to repair literally hundreds of tehm over the years.  I can advise a repair procedure with wiring diagram if you need more assistance.


Wayne Howie


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QUESTION: Yes please if you could advise me of a repair procedure w/wiring diagram...that would great!

Thank you very much.

Answer
Wiring description and power distribution:

Wiring org/blk =  Orange wire with black tracer


DOOR LOCKs:

Pull door lock switch (still connected to harness) out of door panel.  Org/blk wire will have 12v+ all of the time, both black wires are chassis ground and  the lt blue wire and blk/white wires are the polarity for door lock and unlock.

Windows:

Pull drivers side windows master switch out of door panel (still connected) Pink wire will have 12 with Key in run or accessory position only. Black wire is ground.  Tan and DK blue/wht are for the right side window and the brn and dk blu wires are for the left side window.  These wires will have 12v or -12v on them depending on motor direction request.  Basically the window motors are simple DC motrs that change direction with polarity.  Due to the nature of the parallel wiring and additional switch for the right side window it is important that the passengers side window switch is ok for the right side window to operate.  IE if the right side window doesnt work from teh right side switch it won't work from the master switch either.


 If it is the wires in the drivers door pillar harness to door that are broken or cracked (which I bet they are) the best repair is to use shrink butt connectors (I giggle too when I say it).  The connector is designed to have each wire inserted to the end and once they are crimped you heat them up with a heat gun (or lighter) to shrink the tube down to protect teh wire from corrosion.  I suggest extendin the wires by 4" to allow them to bend properly and not break again.  Once they are all repaired make sure you tape the harness and check to make sure the door copens and closes freely without too much stress on teh wires.

Wayne