rear window - clarifying detail

[shawski]

Hey all. '87 4runner. rear window relay does not make a "click" sound when i try the up/down switch or tailgate switch. Is that an immediate sign the power window/rear window relay box is shot?
I read a post on here that sounds like that's the case, but I can't imagine it's that simple...
Thanks!
I'm looking for the best way to tell if the relay box is okay...

 

[bekrforunz]

yup exactly what mine did i pulled it out from the quarter panel and sure as shit it was shorted out and all burned on the inside replaced it and now everything works

 

[wallytoo]

if the wiring is broken, the relay won't click, either, even if it was functional. same with shorts/poor grounds.

 

[shawski]

if the wiring is broken, the relay won't click, either, even if it was functional. same with shorts/poor grounds.

Thank you Wally. So then you'd recommend me tracing all wiring from switch on center console back to rear window motor? That would be step 1.

Any other way I can tell if the relay box is bad? I can't see black inside of it when I pop the end off.

 

[wallytoo]

use a test light and mulit-meter to verify power to the relay.

also, read up on RAD4Runner's build thread (Ruby Tuesday). Ray is an excellent source of automotive electrical wisdom, and his thread should throw some light on your problem.

wally

 

[shawski]

@ Wally - thank you for pointing me to "Ruby Tuesday" build thread! @ Ray (ruby tuesday), thank you for your great build thread!
So I learned that I was missing the circuit breaker under the dash by reading his notes/photos. I borrowed my buddies and I get a "click" noise when it's inserted into the breaker slot. I believe this means my relay IS NOT broken.
Now, my window still doesn't work, but I'm one part closer!

So i only get a "click" when i insert and remove the circuit breaker. Otherwise flipping switches doesn't cause a "click". So, back to diagnosis/reading more threads.