power window question

[BimmerBall]

what's broke when your window reaches the top of its travel and then it sounds like you're pushing a stick into a moving fan blade?

[ddavidv]

Does it still go up and down?
There are gears that run the track up and down, so it's probably the gears stripping. However, when it reaches the top of it's travel a limit switch should cut the power to it to prevent this. As it's all self contained in the motor assembly, I'd plan on replacing the motor or complete regulator. It's doubtful there's anything you can do to stop it.

[StereoInstaller1]

when it reaches the top of it's travel a limit switch should cut the power to it to prevent this.

I will elaborate on this a bit: there is no switch.

Well, there is a switch, but not in the normal fashion. Not visible unless you pull the motor apart, anyway.

There is a circuit breaker that gets hot and "opens", shutting off the motor. This is called a "Current limit switch" and that is what shuts off the motor when your window reaches the end of its travel.

It is also supposed to keep your kid from getting its head chopped off should they attempt the "Window Guillotine".

Unfortunately, if the transmission of the regulator is stripped, the motor will never draw enough current to pop that limit switch, so it will just grind on and on...until the timer runs out...like on the drivers' side "down" on my car. Or your car.

Your motor is likely fine. Your regulator is definately shot. I would change both.

GL, HTH,
Luke

[BimmerBall]

I will elaborate on this a bit: there is no switch.

Well, there is a switch, but not in the normal fashion. Not visible unless you pull the motor apart, anyway.

There is a circuit breaker that gets hot and "opens", shutting off the motor. This is called a "Current limit switch" and that is what shuts off the motor when your window reaches the end of its travel.

It is also supposed to keep your kid from getting its head chopped off should they attempt the "Window Guillotine".

Unfortunately, if the transmission of the regulator is stripped, the motor will never draw enough current to pop that limit switch, so it will just grind on and on...until the timer runs out...like on the drivers' side "down" on my car. Or your car.

Your motor is likely fine. Your regulator is definately shot. I would change both.

GL, HTH,
Luke

excellent, thanks!! now i get to spend more money i don't have ;)