Re: Cranky electric window

["Tony Sims" <simstony@domain.elided>]

> The drivers side door window no longer winds down on my '86 Spider
> Veloce without some significant help from me (open door, pull down on
> top of window whilst pressing the "Down" button).  You can hear the
> motor trying to help out.  When the window has traveled about 1/2 way
> down, then it will slowly move down by itself.  Of course, it goes up
> with alacrity, not hesitating a bit.  I have coated the window guide
> with silicone spray to make things a bit slicker, but to no avail.
>
> I have removed the window switches from the dash and had a look at them
> - nothing really bad there, I cleaned up the contacts.  But this had no
> effect of the window.
>
> Can the electric motor be going bad in only one direction?  It isn't as
> if there are more "down" movements of the window as there are of "up"
movements.
>
> Anything else I can test before opening the door panel to have a look-see?
>

I can't advise any other things to try, I'd go after the motor.  In my
experience, car window motors are durable, but tend to get gummed up and
dirty from the rugged environment they live in.  Taking out the motor and
giving it a good bath with electrical contact cleaner usually brings them
right back to life.  Lubricating the drive gears with a graphite grease or
lithium grease will help keep things smooth.  Someone may have a better
recommendation for lubricants.

Tony
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