Sluggish Power Windows!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Sluggish Power Windows!!!
Feedback on my issue - The power windows on my 73 are SLUGGISH!!! In many cases I have to manually pull/push the window while operating the switch to get them to move - both driver and passenger sides.
Had the door panels off all everything "looks" okay but any suggestions?? Are the motors bad?
Had the door panels off all everything "looks" okay but any suggestions?? Are the motors bad?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: webster ny
power window switch
I had this problem as well on my 79. Window would go slow, intermittent, or not move at all. The problem is the switch itself. I removed mine, took it apart, cleaned the contacts, and that fixed the problem. You can buy a replacement, but they are not cheap. Its possible you have a mechancial problem, but, I would first check the switch, its easy, and they are a known problem. Good luck!
Hef
Hef
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
power window
The passenger side on my '80 does the exact same thing and my switch for that side is loosing it's dexterity. My neighbor also has an '80 and experienced the same problem and replacing the switch was the solution. Seems like that's a great place to start.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 971
Likes: 7
From: roanoke va
I have cleaned my window tracks while I had the door skins off The grease was hard and like wax.
If your window tracks are like mine the grease has dryed out and needs to be cleaned out of the tracks and relubed.
If your window tracks are like mine the grease has dryed out and needs to be cleaned out of the tracks and relubed.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: lakewood (tacoma/seattle) washington
Also check to make shure the spring on the regulator is there and working. Also over time the tracks or chanels get clogged up with muck or gunk, esp. if the car has been painted before. Mark your bolts Remove clean then use good new lube. Not that hard. carefull with the regulator if sping is loaded , It can hurt you wold not take it apart with out a service manual. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 923
Likes: 4
From: Austin Tx
Originally Posted by wills670
I have cleaned my window tracks while I had the door skins off The grease was hard and like wax.
If your window tracks are like mine the grease has dryed out and needs to be cleaned out of the tracks and relubed.
If your window tracks are like mine the grease has dryed out and needs to be cleaned out of the tracks and relubed.
Replacing his switch is not going to make his windows go up any faster. Clean and grease the tracks, and take the motor out, pull the gear out and regrease the gear housing on motor. My pass would barely go up without having to help it by hand, did the above, now the thing flys up in down in 2 sec.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
I'll give it a try> Where is the switch, in the door or console? Anyone have a pic of the switch so I know what I'm looking for?
Just had the console apart and back to gogether now - crap but if I need to dive back in than so be it.
Just had the console apart and back to gogether now - crap but if I need to dive back in than so be it.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 5
From: Richardson Tx.
The switch is the thing in the console that you push to make the window go up and down ..Failrly easy to get to. I too had this problem too so I swapped it with my other switch onto the passenger side connector and it did not make a difference- you should do the same test to verify that it is not a switch problem...I then took the window out and then all of the channels that it glides in - they were covered in gunk. I took my time, took pictures of placement and then cleaned them, relubed them, and now its is strong up and down. Take a look at the main spring to make sure it is not broken as well. If you end up doing this job - its a good time time clean and lube the locks and the door handle mechanism- good luck...
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
Originally Posted by Stingray1973
Feedback on my issue - The power windows on my 73 are SLUGGISH!!! In many cases I have to manually pull/push the window while operating the switch to get them to move - both driver and passenger sides.
Had the door panels off all everything "looks" okay but any suggestions?? Are the motors bad?
Had the door panels off all everything "looks" okay but any suggestions?? Are the motors bad?
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ight=regulator
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,795
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Gage
Replacing his switch is not going to make his windows go up any faster. Clean and grease the tracks, and take the motor out, pull the gear out and regrease the gear housing on motor. My pass would barely go up without having to help it by hand, did the above, now the thing flys up in down in 2 sec. clean and grease, did my drivers door before weather gottoo cold, did nothing with the switch.
the window works as new now. going to do the passengers side door
as soon as weather breaks for good here in NJ
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 428
Likes: 1
From: West Des Moines Iowa
agreed, I had the nasty stiff grease in mine also. Removed the tracks, soaked them in solvent for a while, got them spotless, then used white lithium grease and they go up and down fine (couple of seconds), even with a well worn regulator spring. Switch will probably not be the fix, unless it is suddenly stopping and then starting again while holding the switch. If it is a slow and jarring motion, with the motor making a low whining noise, then the tracks need attention...... 
Gonzo
Gonzo
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Hobart Ind, near chicago
i just got through doing mine the passengers side would was really slow. i pulled the interior cover off put new grease in the tracks and dripped oil on the spring and pivot points and now it's faster than the drivers door which i will do next
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 3
Also, you might want to pull the motor off, take it apart, and get all of the black dried up crap that's in there out. Spray it good with electrical parts cleaner. But unless you have bolt in regulator brackets like me, this might be too much work.
Last edited by enkeivette; Mar 15, 2006 at 07:48 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,065
Likes: 2
From: Smalltownville Michigan
Cruise-In 5, 6 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
my passenger window was sluggish. i let my GF (only person other than my dad to ever drive it while i have owned it) drive my car and it went away. i dont know what she did, but it works. honestly, i think it was just sticky contacts....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
If you are getting power and they move its probably the regulator spring. Next time you have the panel off feel for it...should be on the cross arms of the regulator assemble. Usually they break off and fall to the bottom of the door.
Jim
Jim
Instructor
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 213
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From: Pea Ridge. Arkansas
My driver window will not go all the way up, it starts to grind about a inch from the t top. I know its the gear, but should i replace just the gear or do I have to replace the whole motor. Can I just get that gear kit?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
Originally Posted by wills670
I have cleaned my window tracks while I had the door skins off The grease was hard and like wax.
If your window tracks are like mine the grease has dryed out and needs to be cleaned out of the tracks and relubed.
If your window tracks are like mine the grease has dryed out and needs to be cleaned out of the tracks and relubed.
My 76 sat for two years while I was changing tranny, body work, etc. and my windows got VERY slow. After cleaning and lubing them, they work like new.