Help wanted for troubleshooting and interim fix 2002 Forester power window

[Sails]

G'day

 

I have a 2002 Forester and today the driver's side window decided to remain in the down position (right side window; I'm in Australia). When i opened the window today the motor kept running after the window was down, and it wouldn't go back up again.

 

When I try to use the switch to move the window it makes a whirring sound - like the motor is still operating but not grabbing anything.  We've removed the interior door panel and tried to move the window by hand but it seems firmly in the down position.  We've also tried using the window switch at the same time - again no luck.

 

Over the last year the window has intermittently hesitated before operating when raising and lowering it.  Possibly related?

 

Does anyone have any recommendations for how to determine what has failed and how to fix it?  Also, does anyone have a quick fix for how to get the window up again so I can drive it in the rain or park it somewhere unattended?

 

Thanks!

[1 Lucky Texan]

look around at www.opposedforces.com for illustration of the system - you may need to get a window 'regulator' and maybe motor from a wreck.

[Rooster2]

I am not intimately knowledgeable regarding Subaru electric window winders, but have repaired a number of winders on other cars. All winders are pretty much similar. Sounds like your motor is still good, as you can hear it operating, but not raising the glass. Sounds like either the cable has broken, but that generally lets you lift the glass by hand with the door panel off. You say the glass cannot be lifted. Perhaps, the cable is loose, and jammed against the window track, preventing the glass to be lifted. Try reaching in around the glass to see if you can feel any broken cable, or anything else that is jamming the window glass. It is necessary to lift the glass up, and out of the way to be able to work with the winder mechanism.

 

If need be, remove the door panel from the front passenger side, and with the glass in the up position, look around to see if you can figure out the mechanics of the glass lifter. Perhaps, raise and lower the passenger glass to see how it operates. this will give you knowledge, and a better idea of what is suppose to be happening on the door with the bad lifter. 

 

If you need a new winder, they are easily found at a wrecking yard, and easy to replace.

[mikec03]

It doesn't have a cable.  The following youtube link shows someone replacing the window drive on a 2005 forester.  It's excellent and 29 minutes long.  Your 2002 is similar.

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=replace%EE%80%81+window+subaru+%EE%80%80youtube&&view=detail&mid=22AF362AB22E413D16DB22AF362AB22E413D16DB&FORM=VRDGAR

[Fairtax4me]

The whirring is the motor spinning. So electrically its working. Something in the regulator has bound and the motor has probably stripped the gear that drives the regulator.

I've seen them bend in the center near the pivot point (if it has the scissor style regulator) and cause the window to jam in the tracks. A pry bar against the regulator may get it to move again.

Do not pry against the edge of the glass or the glass may shatter.

Worst case you'll need to unbolt or Unclip the glass from the regulator and lift the glass up, then you can wresttle the regulator around to get it to move upward into the raised position.

 

Regulator replacement on these is a royal PITA. Be sure to read up on that service manual on the adjustments you need to make after installing the new regulator.

Edited May 6, 2016 by Fairtax4me

[idosubaru]

I generally pull the interior door panel on both sides (easy) so I can compare to a working set up.

[idosubaru]

And I have swapped an entire door before just for a failed motor. 4 bolts, one connector and the pin and you're done, super easy. But Im not comfortable with power windows in Subarus and dislike them for it.

[CNY_Dave]

I swapped our forester drivers side window out, not as hair-raising as some windows I've dealt with.

 

I marked the positions of all the adjustable bits with fine magic marker.