SL/R230: Side window quick down to clear seals when opening doors
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
Side window quick down to clear seals when opening doors
Both my side windows no longer lower the glass to clear the seals when opening the doors. This make the windows scrape the seals when opening and keep the window from sealing when closing since they catch on the roof seals. It seams to be a mechanical issue since I can manually push the glass down about 1/2 inch and when the door closes the windows pup up as they should. Has anyone run into this and is this an integral pert of the regulator?
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Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
The windows are normalized in the UP position, at least on the '03. Roll up and hold the switch for 1 second after they are closed. This function is dependent on the rear SAM, but if your fuel gauge is working you at least have power to that module.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 238
Likes: 16
From: Chandler, AZ
2003 SL500, 2016 ATS, 2016 CTS 2015 Volt
I have done the normalization routine and it didn't affect the quick down feature. I'm now convinced it is a mechanical issue. When I activate the door handle I can hear the regulator move as if opening the window but the glass doesn't move down--I can push it down about 1/2 inch so something has come loose. When I close the door, the glass moves back up like it is supposed to. Inevitably I know I will have to pull the door panels off to see what is going on but since both doors now have that problem I suspect I am not alone and wondering if anyone has experienced this before so I can hit the ground prepared for what winds up being broken or loose.
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Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Pulling off the door panels takes a few minutes, there’s plenty how-to’s on this forum. It will give you first hand insight in your problem.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Your description is the sign of a broken regulator (cable mechanism). I'm 99.9% sure that your window regulator has plastic parts that are broken. I've had to replace 2 already on my SL.
There is a plastic piece over the cable and spring tensioner that breaks as it gets brittle from age and in the heat. AZ is not your friend when it comes to plastics!
Pull the door cards and look in the bottom of the door for white plastic bits. If you find any, you need to replace the regulator.
With the door card off, you need to remove the glass (2 bolts), then remove the regulator mechanism (about 6 bolts including the electric motor).
Adjusting the window to fit correctly with the new regulator is the hardest part, and requires trial and error. The door card has to be temporarily hung to run the electrics.
There are a couple DIY posts on this. Here are the WIS for the process.
There is a plastic piece over the cable and spring tensioner that breaks as it gets brittle from age and in the heat. AZ is not your friend when it comes to plastics!
Pull the door cards and look in the bottom of the door for white plastic bits. If you find any, you need to replace the regulator.
With the door card off, you need to remove the glass (2 bolts), then remove the regulator mechanism (about 6 bolts including the electric motor).
Adjusting the window to fit correctly with the new regulator is the hardest part, and requires trial and error. The door card has to be temporarily hung to run the electrics.
There are a couple DIY posts on this. Here are the WIS for the process.
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Check this out...it walks you thru the steps:
Post if you run to problems.
Note that the white plastic parts near the spring on the window motor Mount is what breaks, creating slack in the regulator cable. With slack, the window will not retract the 1/2”.
Note that the white plastic parts near the spring on the window motor Mount is what breaks, creating slack in the regulator cable. With slack, the window will not retract the 1/2”.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
R230
Check this out...it walks you thru the steps: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ6zY83vVV0
Post if you run to problems.
Note that the white plastic parts near the spring on the window motor Mount is what breaks, creating slack in the regulator cable. With slack, the window will not retract the 1/2”.
Post if you run to problems.
Note that the white plastic parts near the spring on the window motor Mount is what breaks, creating slack in the regulator cable. With slack, the window will not retract the 1/2”.
