Another window motor thread w/ a twist
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg Ms
Another window motor thread w/ a twist
OK, My passenger window quit working (like most). I tried the screwdriver under the bolt trick and it worked perfectly for a day. The next day, it quit working again. I refuse to buy another window regulator when this one clearly works when banged on! There has to be another issue. Today, I take the door panel off and bang on everything until it started working again. Now, while opening and closing the window, I moniter it very closely with a flashlight. The motor is pushing the window up too far b/c when I lower it, the motor runs for a second before the window starts to move. I adjusted the travel so that it is not binding at the top and it is working smoother and quiter than the drivers side brand new regulator. So, I am wondering if the adjustment is getting off over time and the motor is going past its limit either up or down and binding? Obviously, the motors are not going out b/c they all work when banged on at just the right time. Any other thoughts on this?
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: charlotte nc
Please let us know if the window continues to work or quits after a day or two. I was thinking the same thing. Why does banging on it cause the motor to start working again (temporarily)? I would love to be able to repair this rather than replace parts.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg Ms
That could be it for sure. The motor got really hot to the touch while I was tinkering with all of this. The relay could have been sticking and trying to lower the window even after it was down?? I am just brainstorming on all of this and trying to use some common sense. I did not remove the relay box and open it up. I think I will remove the box, open it up and spray some electrical cleaner on everything. It couldnt hurt...........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Two things to think about...
I never use the auto down feature without pushing the button again to make sure the relay releases. Some have reported they think that the relay can lock in and not release when the window hits the bottom stops, thus causing the motor to overheat.
Second, most of the time the windows stick in the full up position, so it is possible they are just in a bind and get stuck. I have started bumping my window down a fraction of an inch to unload the drive gears and motor to see if that will eliminate the problem.
I don't think mine has ever stuck because the door control relay was not working because I can hear the relay click when I push the button. The window just does not go down.
Note, the drive cables are spring loaded at the motor housing so it should be normal for the motor to run for a second before the window moves. It has to run long enough to compress the spring in the drive direction.
I never use the auto down feature without pushing the button again to make sure the relay releases. Some have reported they think that the relay can lock in and not release when the window hits the bottom stops, thus causing the motor to overheat.
Second, most of the time the windows stick in the full up position, so it is possible they are just in a bind and get stuck. I have started bumping my window down a fraction of an inch to unload the drive gears and motor to see if that will eliminate the problem.
I don't think mine has ever stuck because the door control relay was not working because I can hear the relay click when I push the button. The window just does not go down.
Note, the drive cables are spring loaded at the motor housing so it should be normal for the motor to run for a second before the window moves. It has to run long enough to compress the spring in the drive direction.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Mar 31, 2009 at 07:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg Ms
Two things to think about...
I never use the auto down feature without pushing the button again to make sure the relay releases. Some have reported they think that the relay can lock in and not release when the window hits the bottom stops, thus causing the motor to overheat.
Second, most of the time the windows stick in the full up position, so it is possible they are just in a bind and get stuck. I have started bumping my window down a fraction of an inch to unload the drive gears and motor to see if that will eliminate the problem.
I don't think mine has ever stuck because the door control relay was not working because I can hear the relay click when I push the button. The window just does not go down.
Note, the drive cables are spring loaded at the motor housing so it should be normal for the motor to run for a second before the window moves. It has to run long enough to compress the spring in the drive direction.
I never use the auto down feature without pushing the button again to make sure the relay releases. Some have reported they think that the relay can lock in and not release when the window hits the bottom stops, thus causing the motor to overheat.
Second, most of the time the windows stick in the full up position, so it is possible they are just in a bind and get stuck. I have started bumping my window down a fraction of an inch to unload the drive gears and motor to see if that will eliminate the problem.
I don't think mine has ever stuck because the door control relay was not working because I can hear the relay click when I push the button. The window just does not go down.
Note, the drive cables are spring loaded at the motor housing so it should be normal for the motor to run for a second before the window moves. It has to run long enough to compress the spring in the drive direction.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: DEXTER NM
GREAT THREAD!....I had to replace BOTH motors on my 2004 in the first year!....I was thinking the same thing, since I could hear the relays "click" when I pressed down....
The dealer reported the motors were "fried" but now I don't think so!....
The dealer reported the motors were "fried" but now I don't think so!....
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
If the window was going too far up, I assume you turned them clockwise to raise the stops on each end of the glass.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Apr 4, 2009 at 05:41 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg Ms
I assume you are talking about the stop adjustment screws on the regulator bracket? Did you turn them clockwise or counter-clockwise? (lower or raise the stops in relation to the rail)
If the window was going too far up, I assume you turned them clockwise to raise the stops on each end of the glass.
If the window was going too far up, I assume you turned them clockwise to raise the stops on each end of the glass.
Racer
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 303
Likes: 6
From: Wind Gap,Pa. USA Pa
window problem
ok, my passenger window quit working (like most). I tried the screwdriver under the bolt trick and it worked perfectly for a day. The next day, it quit working again. I refuse to buy another window regulator when this one clearly works when banged on! There has to be another issue. Today, i take the door panel off and bang on everything until it started working again. Now, while opening and closing the window, i moniter it very closely with a flashlight. The motor is pushing the window up too far b/c when i lower it, the motor runs for a second before the window starts to move. I adjusted the travel so that it is not binding at the top and it is working smoother and quiter than the drivers side brand new regulator. So, i am wondering if the adjustment is getting off over time and the motor is going past its limit either up or down and binding? Obviously, the motors are not going out b/c they all work when banged on at just the right time. Any other thoughts on this?
I'm about to get into this issue myself... passenger window is stuck up.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Shreveport Louisiana
Just got a 10K 2007 Z06 for the House Commander so the 01 Z06 is mine by default (some burden huh?).
Pass window stuck up. Relay working (input at least) cause I hear it engage. I need to get it apart to see if I have power from the relay, limit switch worn, etc.
The limit switch overrun/wear issue seems to be a good theory due to no fuse popping or burnt winding/wire smells in my car. Power just isn't getting to the end device...
Chris in Shreveport
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,699
Likes: 16
From: Sun City- Menifee Calif.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I still like the idea of bumping the motor in the reverse direction to unload everything. I found that you can hit the down and then the up button quick enough so that the glass only goes down about 1/16th inch, so you still get a good fit into the weatherstrip.
If it was just a matter of adjusting how tight the glass is forced against the weatherstrip, it seems like you could open the door (which removes any load from the weatherstrip), and the motor would unstick, but we know that does not solve the problem.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Apr 7, 2009 at 11:41 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 0
From: I have to return some videotapes
I wouldn't want to limit the travel any further, inviting more wind noise or sealing issues, but I'm going to start bumping it down a touch while parked in the garage and see if that helps.
Funny thing is that my 2000 FRC never had the issue in 60K miles.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 290
Likes: 8
From: 60 miles from BGKY
That could be it for sure. The motor got really hot to the touch while I was tinkering with all of this. The relay could have been sticking and trying to lower the window even after it was down?? I am just brainstorming on all of this and trying to use some common sense. I did not remove the relay box and open it up. I think I will remove the box, open it up and spray some electrical cleaner on everything. It couldnt hurt...........
I just purchased one of the rebuilt regulators from e-Bay. Driver window has been trouble for about 6 months. Glad I read this first. I have the relay that clicks, and sometimes banging on the window with a mallet or under the door will start it. Today none of that would move it. After removing the door panel, I bumped and poked while holding the switch. Lo and behold, when I pushed on the wire bundle coming from the top connector, the motor fired right up. Great...so maybe this is an intermittent open. I removed connectors, sprayed tuner cleaner, massaged the wires, and we'll see if that's it.
Count me in with the number of people who think it's not always the motor. Mine is a '98 with 100K miles. Some of the male fasteners welded themselves to the female after 11 years, so I need to order females and replace them in the future.