Rattling Power Window Fixed Under Warrantee (Also got a new waterpump!)

[DiveNut]

Decided I better get that troubled driver's side window fixed before my warrantee expired , at 34,500 miles now. Same issue others have had, window rattled to the point of being scary when partially opened and going over any bumps & the occasional loud snapping noise when raising and lowering it. The dealer stated they had to:-tighten the regulator bolts, -replace the window run which had somehow gotten bent -replace the weather stipping. After picking the car up and trying the window, it seems that the damn thing had probably been messed up since day one, i.e. always had the rattling when partially open, and just got worse with time. It now works smooth and quietly.The tech also noticed a small leak at the water pump when changing the oil. It that just went ahead and replaced it under warantee. Seems that the pump should last longer the 34,500 miles but hey glad it decided to leak now versus after the warantee expired. (that **** always seems to happen at like 36,003 miles!).The only bummer was that they had my ride from Tuesday through Friday while waiting on a part. Gave me a 2005 Cobalt w/2.2 4cyl. Hate to admit it but the damn motor was smoother the my Vibe's 1.8, and the bit of extra torque was nice. However the rest of the car was pretty cheezy in totally entry level trim, manual windows, mirrors etc. But beggars can't be choosy.

[ColonelPanic]

Glad to hear they got ya fixed up. Much congrats on being able to have a successful window repair! It's always nice when a dealer goes the extra mile and fixes something that you didn't know needed fixin'. I brought a car in once for some noise, can't even remember what it was now but it was coming from the front of the car... Of course they couldn't duplicate it which sucked but they did hear something abnormal coming from the back that I didn't even catch and did me a favor by replacing my fuel pump which was apparently on its last leg. Sometimes, these crazy dealers are cool like that.

[JohnC]

Chalk up a kuddo for a great dealership, glad they treated you right. I had the same two problems, but had to fix em myself (out of warranty).

[ajflan]

I'm having that same problem with my out of warranty '03. I think I'm going to take apart the door today and see what I can do.

[DiveNut]

Yep, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. Like most folks, I am leary on dealerships. FYI, the dealer is Village Pontiac in Napverville IL, for any GV members in the western suburbs of Chicago.

[ajflan]

I ended up taking the door apart and found the problem. It was a loose bolt on the crossarms that hold the window in place. Easy fix if you can jam your hand back there with a wrench. Once I tightened it up my window was as good as new.

[DiveNut]

Glad you were able to knock it out ajflan.

[935684]

DriveNut, I have a 2003 Vibe with about 63 000 miles on it. It's recently developed the loud snapping noise when opening the driver's window.I left it with the dealer. They told me it needed a new regulator, as mine was bent. Total cost was C$345. I drove off the lot, lowered the window, and nothing had changed.They've got it back again, and I'm waiting to find out why the new regulator hasn't fixed it. Maybe it wasn't bent, after all.

[ajflan]

I had that exact problem. I am out of warrenty so I tackled it myself. All it is are a couple of loose bolts in the crossarms that hold the window in place. I was able to fix it myself, quite easily, and it cost me no money.

[tots]

What exactly did you do to get to the loose bolts? How did you remove the door covering without scratching / damaging it? My window ratlle seems to be getting worse.Thanks!

[DiveNut]

965684, in addition to the regulator, have them check the "window runner" that was bent on mine. Goodluck...let u sknow how you make out.

[ajflan]

There are two screws and a bunch of plastic clips holding the panel in place. There is one screw under a plastic flap in the door handle, and another in the handle thing where you rest your arm. Then carefully pry up the auto window panel and undo the clips. Then just carefully pry the door panel off. You might have to tug a little, but it will come off. There is a plastic vapor barrier glued to the inside of the door. Just peel some off until you can get to the holes that allow you to get to the window mechanics. You may have to move the window up or down until you can reach back there to see if anything is loose. Good luck!......Andrew

[ZubenElGenubi]

Just wanted to add that I just had my regulator replaced on my passenger window under warranty, as well as the glass runs (which had warped very badly and were buckling all over). I paid for the glass runs themselves and the dealership covered labor.Since I was at 37,800 miles, I think this was a fair deal. This work was performed by Beck & Masten here in northwest Houston and I'm pleased with the work. No more grinding or rattling! (I think they may have checked the driver's side too, because I sounds better as well).

[935684]

DriveNut, thanks. It seems to be fixed now. They claim that the mechanic had misadjusted "the chain", after installing the new regulator. I guess I'll never know whether the original problem really was the regulator.I'll visit them tomorrow, and ask them whether the window runner was OK when they had the door panel off. I was going back anyway, as I want confirmation about the warranty on the new part.

[935684]

DriveNut, I just checked with the dealership, and they said that the window runner was OK when they did the repair. There's a one year warranty on parts and labour, so if it gives up the ghost, I'll be bugging them again.Thanks for your help, everyone.Hugh