I like electric windows to work whenever I push the button, regardless of whether the key is in the ignition or not. Having to put the key in and turn it to move the windows just irritates me. If you agree with me, herein I describe how to fix this particular irritant.

My car is a 2004 Civic 2-door Coupe LX. I suspect these guidelines will also work on 2001-on Civics with power windows, either 2- or 4-door, possibly also the 3-door. For all I know, it may work on Accords, earlier Civics, whatever. There's ALWAYS a way, and it's usually not too different between different models from the same maker.

Gain access to the under-dash fusebox. Instructions are in your owner's handbook, but basically just remove the panel directly under the steering column, which involves turning two knobs with your fingers. The fusebox is above the gas pedal.

Looking at the fusebox, there are two black boxes at the lower left corner. These are relays. Just to the right and a little up is a third relay. Pull that third relay out.

If you've read this far and are thinking "This doesn't sound too difficult", it's just because you haven't gotten in there yet. Honda made that fusebox miserably difficult to get at. And they designed the socket the relay plugs into to mostly surround the relay so you can't get your fingers on it. Then they located a thick wiring harness right in your way. And there are two little tangs that hold the relay in place, so you've got to get the other hand in there to hold the tangs back while pulling the relay out. And as if that isn't enough, the relay is held pretty firmly just by the friction of the terminal connections, you've got to pull it pretty hard to get it out.

If you'd like to confirm that you've removed the correct relay, try to get the power windows to work. It should be impossible, key or no.

The relay has four male spade terminals on the bottom, two 1/4" and two 3/16". What you need to do is make a jumper wire with a male 1/4" spade terminal on each end and plug it into that socket in place of the relay. Leave the 3/16" terminals unused. Keep the relay as a spare.

That's it, you're done. Nice thing is, if you ever decide it was a mistake, you can undo it just as easily by removing the jumper and plugging the relay back in.

Note: The button on the driver's door that operates the driver's window has "AUTO" written on it, and this button is illuminated whenever the power windows have power. Hence, it will be on forever. Your battery will die of old age before the tiny LED illuminating this button will run down the charge, but if the thought of that little nightlight staying on bothers you, forget this mod -- or plan on disassembling that button and dyking the wire to that LED.