C5 2001 window gremlin...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 194
Likes: 15
From: Orange County CA
C5 2001 window gremlin...
I'm out and about yesterday and my drivers window won't go up or down anymore. The good news was that it was only down about an inch so I could at least park and lock up. I get home and start searching here to see if I could narrow it down. I read and tried the various methods suggested with open door, slam door etc. to no avail. I go out today to check fuses and the window works sometimes with the door open and then it doesn't work. Sometimes with the door closed and sometimes not. I wonder if I have a problem with a wire inside the plastic accordion between the door and the body? Maybe it is time for a new regulator/motor? I can't afford a new Corvette and I'm spoiled with our low/no maintenance Toyotas and Hondas! Life is good, quality problems.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 443
Likes: 101
From: Jackson CA.
I have had same Gremlin numerous times. Replaced my drivers side motor with new aftermarket motor ($75) at O'Reily about a year ago. Two weeks ago in Lake Tahoe it did it again. Every time it has happened I remove the motor and find the armature brushes stuck. They stick in the grooves of the armature. That's why slamming the door or tapping on the motor frees it. It might work ten times but when it stops with the edge of the brush in a groove it will stick again. The brushes can be removed and filed smooth without to much difficulty. I just can't figure why this happens to my car so much. There are some good write-ups on motor removal. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 793
From: Longview Texas
I think in a lot of cases, the window sticks in the up position because there is no limit switch, and the motor just stalls by running up against the stops.
Most likely, this also tends to lock the drive gears.
I have found that if I bump the window down a fraction of an inch, it unloads the gears, and my window has never stuck again.
Most likely, this also tends to lock the drive gears.
I have found that if I bump the window down a fraction of an inch, it unloads the gears, and my window has never stuck again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 403
From: Horseshoe Bend ID
Search the forum for a write-up on how to replace the regulator. It is a generic part with lots of POS plastic bits. I got one at rockauto for about $69 (with new motor). Takes 2-3 hours (if you have never done it) to replace.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 443
Likes: 101
From: Jackson CA.
I think in a lot of cases, the window sticks in the up position because there is no limit switch, and the motor just stalls by running up against the stops.
Most likely, this also tends to lock the drive gears.
I have found that if I bump the window down a fraction of an inch, it unloads the gears, and my window has never stuck again.
Most likely, this also tends to lock the drive gears.
I have found that if I bump the window down a fraction of an inch, it unloads the gears, and my window has never stuck again.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Its not the wiring in most cases. Its the power connector that makes the connections..
The Female pins spread apart and make a poor intermittant connection. Pop out the accordion tube and check the connections at each female pin. I use a male pin to make sure that the female pin has proper grip on the male pin. If it spread, it can be bent back in proper shape.
BC
The Female pins spread apart and make a poor intermittant connection. Pop out the accordion tube and check the connections at each female pin. I use a male pin to make sure that the female pin has proper grip on the male pin. If it spread, it can be bent back in proper shape.
BC
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 208
Likes: 6
From: Baltimore MD
bigbob76,
i would look at the wiring in the accordian thing in the door jamb first since you said it works when the door is opened/closed. i just fixed this wiring on another vehicle b/c the window and speaker would not work. opening and closing the door over the years and especially on the driver's side since that is the door you use the most, will cause the wire to break. this is a relatively easy repair and will cost less than a buck for some connectors or solder to fix.
i would look at the wiring in the accordian thing in the door jamb first since you said it works when the door is opened/closed. i just fixed this wiring on another vehicle b/c the window and speaker would not work. opening and closing the door over the years and especially on the driver's side since that is the door you use the most, will cause the wire to break. this is a relatively easy repair and will cost less than a buck for some connectors or solder to fix.
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