How to Test the Pontiac Power Window Relay

The power windows in your Pontiac operate when the relay contacts close to make a connection from the battery to the window motor. The button you press only operates the relay. If you suspect a bad power window relay, you can test it fairly easily. But you have to find it first. Your owner's manual could show it, depending on the year and model. But if you can't find it there, look in the fuse and relay panel inside the car or under the hood.

• 1

  Turn the key to the "Accessories" position and instruct an assistant to put his finger on the power window relay while you try to open a window. The relay should click, and your friend should feel it. If he can't, the relay is no good.

• 2

  Pull the relay out of its socket once the ignition is turned off. Look at the relay diagram to locate the contacts that close when the relay operates.

• 3

  Push the ends of a short piece of wire stripped at both ends into the two connecting points in the socket that correspond to the relay contacts.

• 4

  Turn the ignition on and press one of the window buttons. If the window works, the relay is bad, and you should replace it. If the window still doesn't operate, you have another problem.