My rear power windows make a noise that sounds sort of a wonkwonkwonkwonk when I press the window button, but they don't go down.

I'm guessing this means the motor is trying to turn, but the windows are unable to move for some reason.

Can you guys give me some pointers on how to start addressing this? If I take the door panels off to investigate, what am I looking for?

thanks,

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Charlie

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'66 VW 1300 96K miles
'97 E300D 239K miles
'85 300D 203K miles (sold Sep 2012)

What you have are two bad regulators. The motor gear drives a set of teeth on the regulator. The regulator is a stamped POS and the powerful motor will attempt to overdrive the regulator when the window gets to the top of it's travel. Most folks can't get their finger off the switch fast enough........prior to running out of travel.......and the motor gear teeth twist the hell out of the regulator. Eventually, if it happens enough, the motor teeth manage to strip the regulator teeth. Game over.

You'll need to find some regulators from a salvage vehicle or purchase them new. But, whatever you do, keep your fingers off the up buttons at the very moment the glass begins to engage into the upper channel.

Thanks, I'll start there.

On the other hand, I can get a set of manual windows from a 240D really cheap. Would that be an easy conversion?

Brian, if you are correct, I blame the stripped gears on the PO's children. They probably kept their paws on the buttons just for fun. The little beasts tore holes in the leather back seat cushion (had to replace it w/ MB-Tex), a door handle was broken, and one door lock knob was missing. When I replaced the back seat, I found a discarded/stashed discipline report from their elementary school.

__________________
Charlie

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'66 VW 1300 96K miles
'97 E300D 239K miles
'85 300D 203K miles (sold Sep 2012)

I'm not sure how easy it would be to turn the vehicle back to manual. To put new regulators back in takes about one hour per window.

Yep, kids will kill these electric windows in no time.