2005 Forester driver's window stuffed

hohum · Post by **hohum** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 3:58 pm

I got a huge quote to get my window fixed

I don't trust the mechanic much.

My driver's window started winding up and down more and more unreliably. Then it stopped altogether - fortunately I managed to get the window up first, but now it's sunk about an inch & I'll finally have to get it fixed. I'm struggling for money at the moment, so I'm looking for the cheapest way to do it.

The mechanic said that what was wrong was that the switch, which is part of an assembly itself that can't be detached so you have to buy the whole mechanism, was faulty and caused the motor to burn out. So I have to replace both. The quote was like $1600! Couldn't I just buy a new door for that???

Anyone have any similar experience or can help me at all?

Apparently this is a very common problem (?) so getting a replacement motor from the wreckers is like winning a lottery. The Subaru genuine part is sinfully expensive and I can't find anything after market

What is the difference between the window regulator and the motor? I found some pics of a WRX window regulator that seemed to have a motor attached?

I'm really annoyed that this problem happened.

Post by **TOONGA** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:32 pm

Me thinks your mechanic wants a new TV and needs you to pay for it.

TOONGA

hohum · Post by **hohum** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:34 pm

yup - me too

d_generate · Post by **d_generate** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:46 pm

Pull the door trim off...Buy a can of contact cleaner...Spray everything that you can unplug between the window motor & controller on the door then tap the window motor a few times to dislodge any dirt.....Total cost about 50min & $20.........ONLY USE CONTACT CLEANER Sick Smith SuperCrap Crepco.

stewbaru · Post by **stewbaru** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:57 pm

I had this problem with my car but it was the rear window. Just stayed down one day, could hear it trying to go back up but wasn't going anywhere. I was about to take the door card off and have a look myself until i realised there was an airbag there.

So took it to a trusted mechanic, and found out the regulator was buggered but couldn't afford a new one. So we decided for the time being, seeing as the regulator was stuffed anyway to pull the window up and tech screw it to stop it falling down haha until i could find one wrecking or something. Oh yeah and disconnected the motor so somebody didn't make the mistake of winding it down.

Maybe a temporary fix for the moment, bush mechanic style, as long as you don't mind opening your door to order at maccas....

hohum · Post by **hohum** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:15 pm

I've been driving it for a couple of years without being able to wind down the window. It shits me to tears. I do want it fixed. Just don't want to pay for it

Subaru are made by japs, yes? - shouldn't one of them fall on their sword or something - apparently this is a very common problem. I'm really loathe to pay so much money for a Subaru genuine one given they couldn't get it right in the first place? I'd have thought there would be a reconditioned market for this - maybe people are just making too much money or something. The motor is burned out - my mechanic has verified that.

sven '2' · Post by **sven '2'** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 8:14 am

Now that you have had your rant do this as suggested...

d_generate wrote:Pull the door trim off...Buy a can of contact cleaner...Spray everything that you can unplug between the window motor & controller on the door then tap the window motor a few times to dislodge any dirt.....Total cost about 50min & $20.........ONLY USE CONTACT CLEANER Sick Smith SuperCrap Crepco.

If it doesn't and the motor has burn out, just buy a secondhand one from U-Pull-It or similar for $20.

Solved.

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 1:04 pm

Subaru generally use a common part between all their models, it is very likely that a window motor from another model (like Impreza or Liberty) will fit.

Im gonna guess that the sensor or relay that cancels the "auto up/auto down" function of the drivers door is not cancelling and causing the motor to stay on as thus burn out.

littlewhiteute · Post by **littlewhiteute** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 5:51 pm

hohum wrote:
The mechanic said that what was wrong was that the switch, which is part of an assembly itself that can't be detached so you have to buy the whole mechanism, was faulty and caused the motor to burn out.

What is the difference between the window regulator and the motor? I found some pics of a WRX window regulator that seemed to have a motor attached?

I'm really annoyed that this problem happened.

A faulty switch will not burn out a motor, but a faulty motor will burn out a switch.

A regulator is the mechanism that moves the window up and down, the motor drives the regulator.

d_generate · Post by **d_generate** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:42 am

I picked up 4 Gen 2 doors complete with all electrics & trims for about $150...well $200 with a good front guard & 2 feet of lower sill so there are parts available....I'll sell you the front r/h door complete for $400, look at the money you'll save.

I once fitted the winder mechanism from an Impreza to a Gen 1 Liberty so yes Subaru were very economical when it came to parts like that.

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:00 pm

I voted - nope never, but with that I've never owned a forester - or heard of a forester owner having this issue...

Also try cleaning the switch. I may be a part of an assembly but I'm sure you'll be able to pull it apart. I've done this with MY electric windows when 2 windows were dodgy, now all work 100% again.

Do try what d_generate has mentioned - its worth the time if you're into saving money!

Cheers

Bennie

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