Slow winding electric windows

Hi everyone,

I've noticed recently that the electric windows on my trusty old 440 are getting a little sluggish. When the engine is not running they will only wind up 3/4 of the way up, and then slow down and stop. With the engine running they do fully close, but at a painfully slow rate.:-(
Battery is new and checked alternator - so the power is all adequate.

I was wandering if anyone else has had this problem, and what did you do to remedy it? Lubrication? If so what kind?

Would be grateful for any help on this - as winding the windows up is taking longer than the journeys :P

Thanks everyone.

Tony.

Volvo 440 1.8i 204,000 miles on the clock.

I've got the same problem, I think its a buildup of grease and dirt over time in the runners. I find that pulling the window forward at an angle slightly, holding it near the top and pulling away from the pillar usually helps if it gets stuck. I'd also like to know if anyones overcome this problem and what they did.

Hi Rob W, thanks for the reply -I'm going to take the door panels off this weekend to clean and grease all the runners etc. Also while I'm at it I'll try to take the windows out to see if there is a way of cleaning and lubricating the rubbers. A search of the forums shows that a number of people have suffered this problem, but as of yet there are no fixes. Will let you all know the outcome. :-)

PS - As of yet I have tried using WD40 and GT85 PTFE spray to lube the runners but to no effect...
I know the problem is not caused by the motors, because as you said tilting the windows unsticks them.

Trial and error will tell.

Tony

Volvo 440 1.8i 204,000 miles on the clock.

You'll also need to clean the fabric surround material which the window runs up and sits in when closed. I reckon these will have over time attracted grease and moisture. Maybe soap and water, then drying with a hairdryer may do the trick. I think i'll also have a go at trying to sort this out when I get some time.

yeahi get this a lot minaly the driver window and had to resort to tilting them a couple of times, normally run smooth in the rain as the moisture helps.

is it me or are the door cards an arse to get off?????

IF the car's getting on a bit the motors actually start to get tired too - I've just replaced drivers side (wears out more quickly) motor with one from a local scrappie - cost £15 and works a treat now.
Quite easy to replace too.