'73 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser powered tail gate amperage

Discussion in 'General Automotive Tech' started by Dippydocus, Jan 25, 2025 at 7:23 AM.

  1. Dippydocus

    Dippydocus Member

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    Hey all,
    Due to various electrical issues (and previous owners mess) I'm undertaking the enormous task of re-wiring my car, although bit by bit and starting with the tailgate.

    There's an issue within the system somewhere although the motors seem to work ok when I put a powered probe to the terminals.
    Just for future reference, are these special motors or are they just a standard window motor with a specific end on them? I haven't tried yet but I assume I can disassemble them and refit the gear to something else.

    Main question
    Does anyone know what amperage these motors are meant to be pulling in? I don't want to use a feeble cable or fuse for it, but equally don't want to go massively overkill for the sake of it.

    Thanks for any help :)
     
  2. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    The motors are standard GM design motors, so rebuilding is possible if you can find parts. The gear drive, if it's plastic (later motors could be installed), may be worn or even broken.
    Typically, a window motor draws around 7-9 amps continuous, with an initial peak double the continuous rating, which is why the circuit is generally protected by a circuit breaker instead of a fuse. I think it's 25 amps?
     

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