Passenger window stuck and making a grinding noise.

[mpellegri]

Hi there. My car is a 2011 C5 VTR+ (68k miles).
The passenger side window is not rolling down more than 1 inch. I realised this after I left my car parked outside more than a month over Christmas.
I though that I had to reset the ECU but that did not fix the problem. I force the window down whilst pressing the power switch, and it slowly started moving making a grinding noise. It then won't roll back up and I had to repeat the procedure to close it. The grinding noise was pretty severe, and I noticed a few marks on the glass.
I remember it was making a little noise in the past but I did not pay much attention to it.

Anyone has any experience? Is just the regulator that is failing or the motor? Could it be dirt? Possible cost for repair? Unfortunately I don't have tools or space to work on the car...

Thanks in advance for any kind of help or advice!!!

[GiveMeABreak]

You've probably had the regulator wire snap - winding and unwinding is not going to help and will cause strain and damage to the motor! Water gets in through the window seals and lands on the wires - over time they rust and moreso when not being used regularly, they will seize and then snap one day when opening the window.

I had both mine go.

Best thing you can do is get them to grease up the wires when replaced with some marine grade grease - but expect the other to go at some point, and I just hope it's not at the multi-storey automated ticket barrier exit when mine went!

[white exec]

If you are going to replace the steel wire yourself, use a stainless steel one.
The company Tecni-Cable have a huge online catalogue of the stuff, and will sell by the metre. Not at all expensive, so buy something like 20m.
IIR rightly, you might need 1.5mm diameter - but check. They do a super-flexible 17-strand (iirc) one, which a good few of us have used for reliable repairs. End-nipples not necessary: just tie a firm knot in the cable (hold in a vise, and yank with pliers to tighten).

[mpellegri]

I think the driver's one has been already replaced because they damaged the door handle.

I think my best option is to open it up and see the situation. I cannot find a lot of options on-line except for e-bay. Where do you get your parts?

[GiveMeABreak]

Mine were form the dealer - they replaced the compete motor and regulator as they don't repair them now - just replace the whole thing - but that was under extended warranty. AS for the passenger one, my mechanic got a new one and fitted just the regulator wire. The regulator assembly (frame and wire assembly) are quite commonly available if you look online which you can grease up if fitting yourself or as Chris says if you are up for a challenge replace the wire if possible.