Full Time Electric Windows

(For pre '96 model XJs)

 
 

This "tip" assumes (and requires) that you have power door locks...   If you don't, I'm sorry I got your hopes up.  If you do, ...read on!

This one is a piece of cake, it's easier than it sounds, and all you need is about 10 minutes, a crimp-on wire tap (Blue), a Philips screwdriver, small wire cutters, and a pair of pliers (to clamp the wire tap on).
Before you start, It would be wise to disconnect your battery. You will tapping into a "hot" wire during the procedure, and it is possible for the pliers to touch the metal of the door and cause a short.
Since all the windows get their power from the drivers control panel,   this is the only location that a modification needs to be made. All window control functions will remain normal, they now will operate without the ignition on.

At the drivers door, remove the three screws that hold the panel with the window controls (and Pwr door locks) to the door. Gently pry from the front edge of the panel, to swing it out and away from the door. The rear (with the door handle linkage attached) will act like a  hinge,  allowing you to pivot the panel out far enough to gain access  to the  wiring (Be careful, the wires are "stuffed" into the hole in  the  door, but they will come out easily with gentle manipulation). That was the hardest part.

Now in the group of wires, locate the Red wire ('91 & newer uses a Orange/white), and the Violet wire ('91 & newer use a tan wire). The Red is from the Battery for the door locks,   the Violet is from the ignition for the windows.
Find a spot about 2" back from the panel where you will have room to   separate the two wires from the loom and install the wire tap. Slip the tap onto the red wire, and cut the Violet wire so it will fit neatly into the tap. Tape off the end that disappears down into the door,   and take the end from the switch assembly, and slip it into the tap   and clamp it on to the Red wire. Use caution here (if you did not already disconnect your battery), not to touch the pliers to the metal in the door while you clamp the tap down, ...the Red is "hot" .
Once you have completed the tap, and taped it securely, gently "stuff" the wires back into the door cavity, ease the panel back into place, replace the screws, ...and thank me every time you conveniently use your windows without the key!  :-)
 
 

~¤~¤~¤~ Disclaimer, ...and a word about security ~¤~¤~¤~

I have often wondered why the designers didn't wire the window controls "hot" all the time.
For safety, it seems better to always have control of the windows. I believe it could be for security reasons. For instance, If you park and lock  your vehicle with the windows "ajar" on a hot sunny day, you run the risk of theft.  All a would-be thief has to do is stick a coat hanger in the top of the window, press down on the window control, and he's  in. (If a thief is bold enough to be tampering with your car in broad daylight, he's probably going to steal your car no matter how secure it is anyway). This scenario can be avoided however, by leaving the drivers window completely closed and activate the "window lock" on the drivers door (which will still operate normally).   This will deactivate all the other controls where the windows are ajar.

Also, if you have a dog, and leave it in the car, it could possibly open the window with it's paw, and escape, ...also leaving your vehicle unsecured. Again, activating the window locks can reduce the possibility this situation. These are long shots I know, but I wanted to make you aware of some possible drawbacks to this modification, and the potential risks of these situations. I don't want you to loose your Jeep, (or you dog) as a result of my brain-storm!

Oh, and one more thing.... If you sit in your Jeep, fascinated with your latest mod,  and play with the windows for hours, you will run your battery dead!

Anyway, should you decide to proceed with this modification, I am sure you will enjoy this as much as I have, it is a real pleasure to have it wired the way it should have been all along.
 

BTW, if anything is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for more info before you start.
 

Good luck,
Craig
 
 

There ya have it, ...any questions?
dch@olypen.com