88 LE - F L window stops 2 inches from top when opening

[Drive-In]

Hi everyone,

I've started forum searches but little on-topic so far. I took the panel off and starting to take a closer look. Does anyone have any insight on what would jam the window that high up? When I try to re-close the window it won't move (I can hear the motor working but no grinding or other noises). It's possible to push up on the glass while toggling the switch and the motor will reengage and return the glass to the fully closed position.

Any help is very much appreciated and thanks in advance.

Mike
Los Angeles

[myfirstbonnie]

This generation is known for slow windows. There is a "tape" that is engaged by the motor to move the window. You probably have a bad spot in it. When I had my 89, the windows were very slow and I never got around to rebuilding them before it was wrecked.

[Drive-In]

Thanks mfb - and I'm sorry to hear about the wreck. I'm ready to pull the regulator assy - once I get past the bewildering inaccessibility of it... hopefully someone with r&r experience will stop by and post. Are parts fairly well available? I'm not the best mechanic but I try - and sometimes it helps when I'm not left entirely to my own devices.

[Backhoe]

This might be useful to you.

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 36026.html

[Drive-In]

I'd like to call this one solved/fixed. I haven't replaced the tape yet but the problem appears to have been accurately diagnosed and the parts are available and the repair procedure seems straightforward from here. Barring the usual mid-stream snags, it's not a difficult fix.

Thanks Backhoe, the post you referred to did help.

These windows, like most electric windows deteriorate over time in a few predictable ways. The tracks gum up, slowing the windows down and putting pressure on the tape that pulls them up and lets them down, so it tears or breaks. The motor still works but replacements appear to be around $ 30.00 and the tape is $ 20.00. Rivets are, imo a must but they're cheap. So are rivet guns. Chisel them off, clip and drill, whatever works for you. Double-sided tape works to remount the plastic water shield sheet.

The biggest obstacle is being patient enough to take the time to figure out how the assembly works, how it comes out and how it goes back in. I'm taking pictures as I go, so I'll know where things go when I reassemble the parts. I also have the manual for the '88 (page Doors - 5M-20, 21 H style) big help.

I will try to keep up the image journal of the repair so if anyone asks for pictures, I'll have something to post, but for now, technical issues make it more work than I can do at the moment.

Thank you guys for your help.

Mike