Do All C5 Model Years Have the Power Window Problem?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: Broken Arrow OK
Do All C5 Model Years Have the Power Window Problem?
Power window problems seem to be common with C5s. I was wondering whether GM has made any improvements in the electric window motor in the later year C5s. Specifically, have owners of 2003 and 2004 C5s been experiencing this problem. Both windows of my 1999 are now nonfunctional.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 9
From: Camdenton MO
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My 2000 Coupe's windows work just fine. But you ought to listen to the folks with 4th-Gen f-bodies and all the power window failures they have. I'm on several f-body boards and it's a common issue. I really haven't heard it so much on Vettes, though I'm sure they use the same motors.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 1
From: Clayton CA
My 2000 Coupe's windows work just fine. But you ought to listen to the folks with 4th-Gen f-bodies and all the power window failures they have. I'm on several f-body boards and it's a common issue. I really haven't heard it so much on Vettes, though I'm sure they use the same motors.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
Have had my share of the common problems (e.g. rear differential leak, rotted fuel level sensors, defective relay in door control module), but the window problem has not bitten me... although I have heard of others with this problem. I've got an '02 with 45K on the clock.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Bakersfield's thread shows how to replace the relays on the window motors. From what I see that seems to be the main issue - a cheap relay.
Interestingly, Verts seem to be less affected. That may be because we cycle the windows every time the top comes down so theres less chance of the relay sticking. Also passenger doors seem to be worse than drivers doors maybe for the same reason.
This may be just a coincidence and I have no hard facts to back it up but its logical I guess.
Interestingly, Verts seem to be less affected. That may be because we cycle the windows every time the top comes down so theres less chance of the relay sticking. Also passenger doors seem to be worse than drivers doors maybe for the same reason.
This may be just a coincidence and I have no hard facts to back it up but its logical I guess.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 2
From: San Diego California
Bakersfield's thread shows how to replace the relays on the window motors. From what I see that seems to be the main issue - a cheap relay.
Interestingly, Verts seem to be less affected. That may be because we cycle the windows every time the top comes down so theres less chance of the relay sticking. Also passenger doors seem to be worse than drivers doors maybe for the same reason.
This may be just a coincidence and I have no hard facts to back it up but its logical I guess.
Interestingly, Verts seem to be less affected. That may be because we cycle the windows every time the top comes down so theres less chance of the relay sticking. Also passenger doors seem to be worse than drivers doors maybe for the same reason.
This may be just a coincidence and I have no hard facts to back it up but its logical I guess.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 2
From: Plano Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
my passenger side power window has gone out twice within a year. I have an extended warranty on it still, but waiting on parts now for 3 weeks from the dealer to get it fixed.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
I have on 04 Z06 and at the same time I installed my Window Valet and was testing it. something broke inside and now when the window rolls up, when about 1/2 way up, it start to go inward. I have to open my door, roll it all the way up then close it. I can hear something loose rattle in the door everytime I close the door. I plan to open up the panel this weekend to hopefully find something that's gonna be an easy and cheap fix. I've never opened up the panel before so hopefully I know what I'm doing and don't mess anything else up.
I'll post later whatever I found the broken piece to be. Has this ever happen to anyone else?
Here are some pics:
This is a view from the side showing how much it's going inward as it's rolling up:
I'll post later whatever I found the broken piece to be. Has this ever happen to anyone else?
Here are some pics:
This is a view from the side showing how much it's going inward as it's rolling up:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
No problems on any of my five C5s from 98 which I had for six years to my two 03 or my two 04 cars. Still have the two 03 AEs for six years now. Never heard of this problem before. I don't agree that it is common.