Driver side Power window - 'stuttering' at the top when rolled up

autexil · Aug 25, 2015

Hey guys,

Just had this issue develop the other day (doh). When I roll up the driver side power window, it 'stutters' at the top.

There are no issues with raising and lowering the window - the motion seems smooth and consistent which makes me think the actual power window motor is okay.

But when the glass reaches the top, it seems to drop a bit - and if I keep triggering the power window switch, it will keep rising and dropping at the top. I recorded a brief video with my phone to demonstrate and uploaded it to photobucket.

I did a Google search but and am coming up with either:
1. Window is off the track. Need to do some disassembly, right the window, and lube the track.

2. Need an entirely new window run channel.

Thanks for any leads/tips on this.

Cheers

Varnell · Aug 25, 2015

I had a similar issue with my driver's side window stuttering near the top. However it wouldn't continuously fall back down. I'd suggest taking out the regulator and motor, run them while out of the door to visually inspect the motion. If everything seems smooth lube up the track and make sure things are nice and tight.

I'm assuming my sound system and stiff suspension played equal parts in jarring the window to the point that it would actually leave visible gaps when all the way up. Realigned all the parts and it works like new.

xci.ed6 · Aug 25, 2015

It makes sense...

Disassemble.
Clean.
Inspect for damage (IB: worn bushing)
Lube.
Reassemble.
Test.
If it still fails, get a new one!

autexil · Aug 25, 2015

thanks, u guys are the best.

james'99 · Aug 27, 2015

Had the same issue. I had to replace the driver side regulator. The plastic gears had worn. That's probably what you'll wind up with.

Coupe or Sedan?

autexil · Sep 14, 2015

This is on a Coupe.

Sorry, I STILL haven't had a chance to tackle this - we picked up an Element recently and I've been busy tackling all the issues on THAT thing, ugh.

Thanks for the tip on the regulator, I might just go ahead and order a replacement if it's not too cost prohibitive.

james'99 said:
Had the same issue. I had to replace the driver side regulator. The plastic gears had worn. That's probably what you'll wind up with.

Coupe or Sedan?

james'99 · Sep 14, 2015

They range from $44 to $100 depending on the price from rockauto. I bought mine from Autozone for around $100 + tax I think.

tori-san · Sep 16, 2015

Yup. This happened to mine too. On my coupe. Im betting the teeth in the window regulator are worn. Track is fine, motor is fine switch is fine for now.

autexil · Sep 25, 2015

Okay, I finally crossed this off my never ending to-do list.

Thanks to everyone for the regulator suggestion - I ordered a Dorman product instead of an OEM because it was so much cheaper (about $30). This was for the regulator only (no motor).

Installation was pretty straight forward. The only tricky moment was transferring the motor to the new regulator - I had to c-ock and hold the regulator at a certain point in order to access the holes for the torx screws that hold the motor in place.

I snapped a couple pics of the teeth on the two regulators as a comparison. I think the cause of the slip on the old regulator was due to wearing of the teeth?

New

Old

I also noticed the old regulator had a bunch of grease (I'm assuming some kind of lube?) whereas the new regulator didn't - did I need to lubricate any of the parts? (I did not).

New

Old

Thanks again you guys, I am grateful for the advice and tips.