I have a 1991 Sunbird convertible. Power windows will not respond very well. They are slow or won't move.

Question

I had to replace the window sweeps. They were weather worn and breaking off causing the windows to rattle. GM discontinued them. A Pontiac dealership can get them but the cost is $200.00 per window. The sweeps for a 91 Cavalier came close to fitting. After they were installed with a lot of modification, the power windows will not work properly. They all worked very well before. The motor on the passenger side door was replaced and works well. The drivers side door window and quarter windows on both sides stick or won't move more than a couple of inches. Does anyone have any suggestions or had this problem? Window sweeps are the external rubber strips that fit against the windows. I was told all of the power window motors need to be replaced. I'm not sure this is necessary. Any thought on the subject would be appreciated.

Answer 1

3 things that normally hinders power window functioning are:
1) the motor incl. the bush
2) the rubber that grips the glass to all 3 sides of the window
3) the running cable and that piece of plastic stabalizer
Other than those were your windows bent from previous accident?
Seem to me option 2 is the culprit most of the time

Answer 2

Hi, yes that is a common problem. When I worked at Honda as a tech, we would install the new ones but they havent conformed to the glass and door frame yet. So we used this silicon grease called "Shinitzu" and would massage the rubber glass runs and slowly work it in. This would add moisture and make it mold to the different shape. Then we would advise the costumer to leave the window up for a few days if possible. If the window is still slow, you can spray silicon spray in the runs, it should help speed the glass up. You can go into any Honda dealer and ask the parts person to sell you the silicon grease.

Answer 3

i had this same problem, the window sweeps were offline (the window sweeps had started to roll down with the window) and my window would only come down a couple of inches. i took my car to a glass shop to check my window and the guy took my door apart and fixed it. i've had no problems since. If you needed to replace the motors then your window wouldn't let down at all. But if you do need new sheets call around to a nearby junkyard with cars first, they can probably get them much cheaper (until recently i didn't know they could locate parts for your car). The dealership charges almost double for any kind of servicing.

Answer 4

You could go either way here, its either the motors or the newly configured window sweeps, my guess would be the motors are older and weak.

Good Luck,

Answer 5

I agree with doug. You can also try silicone spray in the tracks.