Update on Window Problems

[tnpartsguy]

Keywords: Window, Creak, Creaking, grind. grinding, broken, door window.A new service bulletin Edit, Document ID# 1583826 is out about the windows on our Vibes. I don't have a copy of it yet, hope to by the Ohio meet. The bulletin will cover new part numbers for the door checks 88973009 and 88973010. $75.75 EACH list. I hope most of you can either get them warrantied, or goodwilled. If you've had a glass break before, I think you should definatly get them replaced. I'm trying very hard to get a set to bring to OH so we can at least post pics of what the new ones look like.

[ColonelPanic]

Good info! So I take it, since there are replacement parts, that it would be a moot point to bother taking off my door panels at the meet to try to fix the snapping. Yet another TSB I'll have to struggle to get resolved... Since the windows don't snap/crackle/pop constantly, I'm afraid the dealer will have to be smacked around like what had to be done with with the stupid cat/pcm replacement. I'm assuming the GM MajorGuard extended warranty would cover this, I hope so at least... $150 to fix the stupid thing plus labor ain't gonna be cheap!

[tnpartsguy]

I have a set ordered, hopefully they will be in tomarrow, or at least by the meet, so we can at least see the difference.

[Limeliz16]

Just to let you guys know, all Vibes, actually all GM products as of late, have MAJOR window regulator issues. While this document mentioned above, will correct some issues, it will probably not correct most window jumping and making noises. FYI ya'll. Thanks!

[jake75]

If most owners are like me, with A/C I so rarely open a window I would not even know if there was a problem. Usually it is just the drivers side front window to get or hand the parking garage money taker a ticket. I really like power side mirrors and door locks, but manual windows would be just fine given how infrequently you use them.

[zionzr2]

i now know why it was a good idea not to get the power package!!

[ColonelPanic]

Ha ha, even you, mr. manual window cranker, are not immune! I do recall someone here with manual windows having to get their regulator replaced.

[videoproducer]

1/2 hour ago I drove into a parking lot of a grocery store and parked used the switch to put the window up and bang!!! I am still in shock, can hardly write. Man it's like a gun shot the window exploded and I have a few cuts as well as a sliver in my finger. If I were driving on a freeway it could have been deadly. I don't know what to do. My wife just called the dealership (in Toronto) they gave her a GM # to call. We have to take the car in in the morning to see what they can do. 2003 75,000 kilometers.John

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by tnpartsguy »Keywords: Window, Creak, Creaking, grind. grinding, broken, door window.A new service bulletin Edit, Document ID# 1583826 is out about the windows on our Vibes. I don't have a copy of it yet, hope to by the Ohio meet. The bulletin will cover new part numbers for the door checks 88973009 and 88973010. $75.75 EACH list. I hope most of you can either get them warrantied, or goodwilled. If you've had a glass break before, I think you should definatly get them replaced. I'm trying very hard to get a set to bring to OH so we can at least post pics of what the new ones look like.Ever get a copy of the bulletin?

[videoproducer]

I was out of warranty so they goodwilled me and only charged $100 bucks. I suppose it was a good deal but it is a safety problem. If the window blows on the hiway you could be dead. I would like to see a copy of that bulletin.John

[JohnC]

Just a little side note about our side windows, I noticed the other day how thin the glass is. It is less than half the thickness of my Jeep windows. I guess this saves a lot of weight, but may be a source/contributor of other problems...ie road noise in cabin and shattering problem.I wonder how the thickness of the windshield compares. I am on my 3rd now, and it has several star fixes already.

[Kwkid87]

Does anyone have a link or a copy of the document?

[Vibe_dude]

Quote, originally posted by JohnC »Just a little side note about our side windows, I noticed the other day how thin the glass is. It is less than half the thickness of my Jeep windows. I guess this saves a lot of weight, but may be a source/contributor of other problems...ie road noise in cabin and shattering problem.I wonder how the thickness of the windshield compares. I am on my 3rd now, and it has several star fixes already.I have never seen such crappy glass before......i have a 98 honda accord with 190,000kms and the glass looks brand new compared to my 03 vibe with 110,000kms.the glass in the vibe is so soft that it gets pitted very easy.can barely see out of it when driving into the sun.almost a safty issue.

[tribalman]

some of my windows pop a bit when i open them and they kind of shift at the same time. like one side of it lowers a bit first, then the other side follows. if i have the window down and i grab a hold of it, some of them shift around quite a bit. i remember reading something about tightening a bolt and that fixes it. i can't seem to find the bolt in the picture as i remember it and i can't find it online. any help? anything i can do short of taking it in to the dealership, i'm really poor? some of the other threads i found said they paid $100-350.

[northvibe]

dang it cant they just do a recall fix..im out of warranty and think a safety fix shouldnt cost me a dime...lame. anyway my front windows when rolled down a little i can move them toward and away from me pretty easily and far..im assuming that can be a start to this issue?

[waltman]

Hi Vibe people, Thank you for this site. I did not shatter drivers side window but IT WAS CLOSSE!!!! read yer site, found a couple o things, took off door cover and found one of the larger bolts on floor pan of door, reinstalled bolt with some torque, not excessive but some..., and Viola window fixed!!!!!! Love the internet and luv this site thank u very much!!!!!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

[waltman]

Just so u know this took me about a 1/2 hour. You do not have to suffer just fix as soon as it happens friends and all will be well.Im so pleased I could split in two!!!!

[northvibe]

sounds like ill have to crack the puppy open...mmm another project added to my list.. :s

[dianebrat]

Bitten!My not even a year old '06 Vibe just had the front passenger window go hinky! When I lowered it, I saw right away something was wrong, and it went down at a funny angle, when I tried to raise it, it bowed in, wasn't in the rubber track etc.Of course this all happens right as I leave work on a night where it's 30 degrees and sleeting rain, so I go up to the closest gas station with a canopy over the pumps, and see what I can do.It took about 20-30 minutes of cajoling and coaxing, but I'd coax it, raise it a bit, lower it, reposition, then raise slowly, and I finally got it back up, but not perfect. Of course we have Xmas next week, and I have a huge business trip, so I can't even get back to a dealer to have this fixed until the 2nd of January at the earliest (really glad I finally got the window closed)I'll post what they fix when I finally get it done, but talk about a bad day.. (the whole day was crappy, this just topped it off) The only good news.. it's warranty for sure

[dianebrat]

diagnosis..."snapped window regulator, replaced under warranty"if that helps anyone.

[mixer]

Here is the Technical Service Bulletin regarding the window problems.NHTSA Action Number: N/AN/A NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: PE07049 N/A Make: PONTIAC Model: VIBE Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Year : 2004 Component : VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR Date Investigation Opened : September 27, 2007 Date Investigation Closed : February 5, 2008 Summary: THE SUBJECT VEHICLE IS MANUFACTURED BY NEW UNITED MOTOR MANUFACTURING, INC. (NUMMI) IN FREMONT, CALIFORNIA. NUMMI IS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN GENERAL MOTORS AND TOYOTA. TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RESPONDING TO THIS NHTSA INVESTIGATION. TOYOTA REPORTS THAT ITS EVALUATION IS INCOMPLETE AT THIS TIME, HOWEVER; TOYOTA HAS IDENTIFIED TWO ISSUES THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SIDE WINDOW GLASS BREAKING. IN ITS JANUARY 11, 2008 LETTER TO ODI, TOYOTA STATED THAT "A MAJORITY OF THE REPORTS INCLUDED IN THIS RESPONSE ARE MOST LIKELY RELATED TO THE LOOSENING OF THE WINDOW REGULATOR BOLTS." THE SECOND ISSUE IS, "LESS PREDOMINANTLY, THE INTERFERENCE OF THE SIDE WINDOW GLASS WITH THE DOOR CHECK LINK...." ODI HAS RECEIVED 46 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER POWER FRONT WINDOW SHATTERED, AND/OR THE WINDOW MAKES A POPPING/CLICKING NOISE DURING OPERATION. A LOOSENING OF THE WINDOW REGULATOR BOLTS MAY PRODUCT A POPPING NOISE WHILE OPERATING THE WINDOW. THE POWER WINDOW SYSTEM IN THE VIBE IS ALSO USED IN THE TOYOTA COROLLA AND THE TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX. TOYOTA IDENTIFIED 203 COMPLAINTS FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-2004 PONTIAC VIBE; AND, 254 COMPLAINTS FOR MY 2003-2004 TOYOTA COROLLA AND TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX ALLEGING THAT THE SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW SHATTERED AND/OR MADE A POPPING/CLICKING NOISE DURING OPERATION. TOYOTA IS STILL MONITORING AND EVALUATING THIS ISSUE. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-004) TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE . NHTSA Action Number: N/A NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: EA08004 N/A Make: PONTIAC Model: VIBE Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION Year : 2004 Component : VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Date Investigation Opened : February 5, 2008 Date Investigation Closed : Open Summary: THE PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES ARE MANUFACTURED BY NEW UNITED MOTOR MANUFACTURING, INC. (NUMMI) IN FREMONT, CALIFORNIA. NUMMI IS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN GENERAL MOTORS AND TOYOTA. TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RESPONDING TO THIS NHTSA INVESTIGATION. TOYOTA REPORTS THAT ITS EVALUATION IS INCOMPLETE AT THIS TIME, HOWEVER; TOYOTA HAS IDENTIFIED TWO ISSUES THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SIDE WINDOW GLASS BREAKING. IN ITS JANUARY 11, 2008 LETTER TO ODI, TOYOTA STATED THAT "A MAJORITY OF THE REPORTS INCLUDED IN THIS RESPONSE ARE MOST LIKELY RELATED TO THE LOOSENING OF THE WINDOW REGULATOR BOLTS." THE SECOND ISSUE IS, "LESS PREDOMINANTLY, INTERFERENCE OF THE SIDE WINDOW GLASS WITH THE DOOR CHECK LINK...." ODI HAS RECEIVED 46 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER POWER FRONT WINDOW SHATTERED, AND/OR THE WINDOW MAKES A POPPING/CLICKING NOISE DURING OPERATION. A LOOSENING OF THE WINDOW REGULATOR BOLTS MAY PRODUCE A POPPING NOISE WHILE OPERATING THE WINDOW. THE POWER WINDOW SYSTEM IN THE PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES IS ALSO USED IN THE TOYOTA COROLLA AND THE TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX. TOYOTA IDENTIFIED 203 COMPLAINTS FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-2004 PONTIAC VIBE; AND, 254 COMPLAINTS FOR MY 2003-2004 TOYOTA COROLLA AND TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX ALLEGING THAT THE SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW SHATTERED AND/OR MADE A POPPING/CLICKING NOISE DURING OPERATION. TOYOTA IS STILL MONITORING AND EVALUATING THIS ISSUE. ODI OPENS THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE.

[Vibe_dude]

so what does this mean? Can we take them into the dealer and have them tighten up.....mine really squeals and is very loose in the track.You can move it up and down by liftin on the glass.....very crazy.

[mill0651]

Thanks for the information. My '03 Vibe window did not break, but almost fell out on to the ground. To remove the door panel, remove two screws (one behind the interior door lever and one in the pocket used to pull the door shut). Then pull off the door panel which is held in by plastic clips. The bolt in the window crank mechanism located in the hole next to the speaker was missing (the mechanism must be lowered about half way down). I found the bolt inside the cavity of door. I put the window back in the tracks, then inserted and tighten the bolt, plus I tighten the bolt on the rear side of the window . It appears to me that this bolt holds the glass to the window crank mechanism. It was not a pivot point in the mechanism.

[awfavre]

Toyota just announced a recall for 2003 – 2004 Corollas and Matrices. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs...09041 Will GM follow suit for Vibes?

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by awfavre »Toyota just announced a recall for 2003 – 2004 Corollas and Matrices. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs...09041 Will GM follow suit for Vibes? Ya beat me to it!!I think GM will follow suit, but it might be a while.But its about time for this recall!

[tribalman]

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »Ya beat me to it!!I think GM will follow suit, but it might be a while.But its about time for this recall!do you think we can take our 03-4 into a matrix place, point this out, and get it fixed? i think i'll print that up and go to my dealer and see if they will fix it.

[NibCrom]

Does this mean the windows on the '05s are okay then?This was the article on Autoblog:http://www.autoblog.com/2008/0...dow-d/

[Vibe_dude]

The recall says that it is only on cars sold in the US.so i guess Canadians get the shaft again.....so even if Gm gets a recall I wonder if it will be only Us vibes that get fixed?

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by tribalman »do you think we can take our 03-4 into a matrix place, point this out, and get it fixed? i think i'll print that up and go to my dealer and see if they will fix it.Doubtful. That's like trying to take a Kia to a Hyundai dealer and getting a recall fixed. They are the same parent company, but at the same time, separate entities. The vibe is technically a matrix, but GM has to be the one to announce the recall, as they are the ones who sell it. Toyota has no obligation to fix a GM car.

[jimincalif]

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »Ya beat me to it!!I think GM will follow suit, but it might be a while.But its about time for this recall!Hopefully they do. A chance for GM to show they are starting to get it.As Harvey Mackay says - if you can fix a problem by spending money, you don't have a problem, you have a solution!

[scooter]

According to this article, GM IS indeed recalling Vibes:http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/...LsI3E

[vibebob]

so does the TSB mean only 2004 vibes or all vibes ?

[ToolGuy]

Toyota and GM recall 660,000 cars for window defectCorollas, Matrixes and Vibes from 2003-04 model year includedHarry Stoffer Automotive News | April 9, 2008 - 2:52 pm ESTWASHINGTON -- Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. and General Motors are recalling more than 660,000 cars built for the 2003-04 model years to repair side window hardware.The recall involves nearly 540,000 Toyota Matrixes and Corollas and nearly 123,000 Pontiac Vibes, the companies said today.Dealers are to replace bolts that hold driver and front passenger door glass in vehicles equipped with power windows. The bolts may loosen and detach, Toyota said in a statement.Federal safety officials had been investigating complaints about the windows in the Toyotas and in similar Vibes, built by GM in a joint venture with Toyota.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in February that some side windows became inoperable or made popping noises and occasionally shattered.The agency and the automakers together had collected more than 500 complaints, including 36 claimed injuries and one reported crash. There were also more than 12,000 possibly related warranty claims, according to NHTSA records.

[ToolGuy]

I would wait for the letters to arrive and let the supplier build all the parts before taking your car in. For those in Canada, you could always buy the parts and have them installed. Then hang onto all your receipts and old parts and call GM Canada to complain on why it is not covered in Canada and possibly GM will reimburse you.