odd sound leaning on open window?

[canadave]

I've noticed that if I open the window fully in my 04 Vibe, and lean my arm on the top of the door while driving (where the bottom of the window is), I hear a sort of slight plasticky "crack" sound, as if the plastic around the door/window trim is moving slightly or loose, and is moving a bit when I lean the weight of my arm on it. I can't see anything happening though--nothing deformed or visibly bending when I put my arm on the open window.

I don't get any sound whatsoever if I do the exact same thing with my right arm on the other side--that side feels more "solid". Are there any parts in that driver's side area that might come loose, and if so, is there some kind of simple way to get at it and look?

[Doug14]

Removing the door panels i'snt too tough. you can get one off in about 5 minutes, and way less once you've done it before. This is where I would start to see if there is anything obviously loose. Remove 2 screws (door handle and little cup thingy). then carefully pull the panel away from the door, I used a plastic plaster tool which I cut a slit out of to help with some of the trickier white circle plugs. Once all have come loose you have to tilt the panel a bit to allow it to clear the door handle. installation is reverse but remember to hang the panel on the ledge of the window. Good luck!

[canadave]

Thanks! I don't know if it's related to the door panel though. After some more investigation, it seems to be just the plastic trim piece that runs lengthwise along the top of the door, where the window emerges when you roll it up. It's "bendy", for lack of a better word, as if it's not nailed/glued/screwed down properly (however it's fastened). Is it necessary to play with the door panel to get that tightened, I wonder?

[Doug14]

If I am correct to assume this is the piece you are referring to, then the plastic interior door panel I mentioned earlier is to be removed to see what's going on.

Note: Not my vibe, picture courtesy of google.