Firstly I am a newbie and I HAVE checked but cannot see a similar case. Also not 100% sure this is on the right place - if I am wrong gentle guidance will have it removed and relocated IMMEDIATELY.


I bought a lovely 2005 Red RX8 about three weeks ago.

A couple of days ago the driver side window started sticking. It would only go half way down, then it would go all the way down and then only half way back up! Now it is going up and down OK but there are about three loud clicks as it goes down (and possibly up – I am loath to try it again in case it gets stuck).

Any thoughts from the assembled brains? How easy is it to get door panels off to have a quick look see? (Cannot immediately see a DIY thread on this.)

Thanks in advance.

Aloha Steve

PS Why is this ironic? On the pre-purchase check the mechanic said that the passenger window was not working. The seller said “I didn’t know that”. Long story short – the window lock had been pushed and I got a couple of hundred dollars off the price for that – guess it serves me right :-)

 

The door panel is held in place by a couple of screws and some clips.
http://foxed.ca/rx7manual/2003mazdar...html#wp1025486
After that it's just some more screws for the plastic cover and you're done.

 

Oh my oh my - a full manual!!!! Joy unconfined. Is there a PDF of this anywhere? but THANK you so much.

Now I just hope a squirt of oil settles the problem.

Steve

 

Ah just noticed this is 2003. I am guessing that 2005 is pretty similar but don't suppose there is a 2005 floating about. About to take the door panel off and assume it is the same. Just nicer to have a 2005 if available.

Steve

PS Window now worse. Accidentally opened it and squished my fingers when pulling it up. Made three girls laugh anyway :-)

 

OK have the door panel off and am now feeling completely out of my depth. I have done NO DIY car maintenance for about 20 years so please forgive the newbie angst.

The window is sticking halfway when it goes down and up.

If I pull it up while the window switch is sending it up it will sometimes close. (Repeated ups and downs sorts it out.)

However, when fully closed a horrible grrrrrrrrrrrrrr noise comes from the top of the window motor. (Posting pic later having internet probs.)

I am perplexed as it sounds like a cog going over another plastic cog so it seems like the sensor has not detected that the window is fully up so it keeps trying to close the window but how come it is locking up halfway up????

Grateful for any guidance.

TIA Steve

PS There were a couple of extra connectors on the 2005 not on 2003 so still looking for 2005 manual.

 

http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modif...8_manuals.html

Still '03, but pdf and I think more complete than the html one. Don't know if it has any more or less on the doors.

Ken

 

Ken thanks for that I think it is the same manual in a different form. In any case it was easier for me to see things like glass removal.

However I am still stuck understanding what is going on.

If its the sensor - why is it sticking half way up? If it is the motor why is it going all the way up and then "over running" the stop position?

I wish someone clever could explain. I am sure there is a logical explanation ..... I just have not get to it yet.

Off to lie down in a darkened room!

Steve

 

MauiMazda, I was just wonderng if you bought the car from a lady who works in kihei/wailea. I used to see her going the opposite way on piilani highway everyday from work. One day I had a dead battery at the longs in my silver 2005. Ironically she pulled about right accross from me and I asked for jump. She happily complied.

 

That would indeed be the car. She needed space for a massage table and also, I suspect, needed the cash as illness has limited her work :-(

I wish I lived in Kihei. Driving up Haleakela sure sups the juice but it is FUN to drive - even with the window problem.

Steve

 

MauiMazda: I am literally having the exact same problem. I've considered taking it in to the dealer but the cost would break down like this: diagnostic test (mandatory) $110, Labor estimate 2 hrs $180, possible new motor $199. If it did come down to the motor being replaced that would put me out 500 bucks. If you come up with a solution for this problem (or already came up) PLEASE let me know! Thanks!

 

Wow sorry for the delay. It really is pretty easy. Disclaimer - I am no expert.

IF when you push the button you get the grinding noise then, it seems to me, the switch is working.

Then it is almost certainly the regulator or the motor (the "tracks" could be full of crap and who knows what else could go wring.

If you follow the manual it is pretty easy. Popping the clips is a little nervous making but a broad headed screw driver will see you good and a bit of paper will stop you scratching anything.

The final clips at the top are a bitch just wiggle and pull up.

The it is either motor or reg. Suggest you take out reg and see if it moves relatively easily. If it is stuck there's your answer if not throw a new motor at it.

If you do it step by step it will be fine. I forget exact price but they are about $100 each if you shop around.

Finally I found getting those top clips on IMPOSSIBLE so I ended up with the trim slightly out of alignment at the top but everything works fine and you would really have to look hard to see it.

Hope this is not too late - sorry but my original account is all screwed up!

Good luck

Steve