Power window chatter
 

Hi all, I hope someone can help with this problem. I've got an 88 convertible. On the driver's side, the window is stuck almost fully up. When I press the switch, the motor makes a chattering sound, but the window doesn't move at all. I took the door panel off, but I couldn't find anything obvious. (Not much of a surprise, since I have no experience with power window problems and don't really know what I'm looking for). Just prior to this happening, the window would occasionally go down partway and stick. Moving it up a little would free it up. I'd guess something needs to be greased, but the chattering sound makes me wonder if something's disconnected. I felt around as best I could along the inside of the door panel, but I didn't feel any parts or anything that seemed loose. Any window experts help me out? Thanks.

i've worked on a civic's power window that does the same as you are describing, so this information may or may not be relevant, depending on the rx7's design. but here goes:

there is a crank mechanism with teeth that can and do break. its called a window regulator. its a very common thing to break on hondas. the chattering you hear/see is because some teeth are engaging, and when it gets to the broken tooth/teeth, its skipping and cannot engage.

you probably have to replace the regulator, which is also probably a pain to do. while you are at it, you should also clean and grease the window tracks.

Thanks... I was hoping it was something easier. I can't figure out how to even get at the stuff to get a decent look at it.

There are no teeth involved in the power windows in a FC. It is like a string of pearls with a motor driven paddle to move them. Usually, the steel cable the nylon balls are on stretches, and the balls become loose on it. When this happens, the paddle can push a ball past but can't grab the next one and nothing happens but a clicking sound.

The fix is simple, remove the door panel, remove the switch from the door panel, plug the switch back in. Give the glass some assistance to move it down all the way. At this point the cable/balls are inside of the plastic/rubber tube at the bottom part of the door. It is held in place by plastic keepers. Remove the tube so you can see the balls/cable. There should be slack in the cable that allows the balls to move about. At this point you will need a copper/steel cable crimp (found in the help section of a parts store to repair emergency brake cables). Pull the cable tight and push the balls away from the end. Place the crimp near the nylon balls and crimp it tightly to the cable. Now the balls should be tightly packed on the cable. Test the up and down motion of the window, it should move nicely now. Put the window all the way down again. Now coat the balls with silicone spray and also the window tracks (weatherstriping the window rides in). Replace the tube on the balls/cable, Reinstall the switch in the door, replace the door panel. And then you are done!

Hope this helps,
Vince

Vince,

Thanks, that sounds like it's not too hard. I could feel a very taut cable inside a channel when I was groping around in there yesterday. There's no slack in it at all now, but the window's completely up. I did try pushing down on it just a little (yesterday) while using the switch and it didn't seem to want to move, but I didn't push too hard since I wasn't sure it was the right thing. I don't think I felt a tube at all at the bottom of the door, but like I said it was all the way up. Now that I've got an idea what to look for, I'll give it another shot. Well, maybe not today. It's snowing. Chicago weather...