C5 Power Windows

[Eric P.]

Looking for someone with experience in troubleshooting C5 Power window failures.

I have a low mileage 2004 that is always stored inside a climate-controlled building. After not being used at all for well over a year or more, I got in the car the other day and both power windows are in the closed position and not working.

The passenger window has power to it but does not even begin to retract when the switches are activated. The driver's window goes down approximately 1/3 of the way and stops, it will extend back to the fully closed position. I find it strange that both have failed to operate properly at the same time. This is either very coincidental, a case of Murphy's Law, or someone can shed some light on the failure mode of C5 power windows that may help me?

Eric

[Jack M.]

Re: C5 Power Windows

Do the C5 windowz have an indexing feature (partially retract, when opening a door)?
If so, the owners manual may have a reset procedure (usually after a loss of power).

[Eric P.]

Re: C5 Power Windows

Jack,
Thank you for the reply, I do not believe any C5's had "indexing windows", but I have a hunch this problem may have something to do with the "Auto-Down" feature based on what the windows are doing...FWIW: this car is a Sport Coupe model not a convertible.

Eric

[Gary C.]

Re: C5 Power Windows

Eric,

Checkout this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsnBpYrTpiQ to see if this's your window problem.

Read that's a common problem, often solved by slamming the door shut really hard.

Gary
....

[Eric P.]

Re: C5 Power Windows

Gary,
This is helpful and should be easy to look into. I am hoping for a simple fix like this, it does not seem as if something like a motor is worn out, but the car is 20 years old!

Thanks and Take care, Eric

[Jack M.]

Re: C5 Power Windows

Eric- My apologies for not checking on C5 window indexing before I posted... indeed, they are not a feature (first introduced on a C6). In any event, I see many C5 window issues and potential fixes when doing simple Google searches (c5 corvette power window problem, or similar). They range from pushing down on the window, as someone activates the switch... to removing the door panel and tapping the motor with a hammer... to the connection video that Gary posted... and several more. It appears to be a very common problem for C5's... especially after extended non-activation.

[Eric P.]

Re: C5 Power Windows

Jack,
Thanks for the follow up, and those suggestions as well. When I ask for help, I am open to any and all constructive feedback and input!

Take care, Eric

[Jack M.]

Re: C5 Power Windows

Almost forgot... slamming the door shut (VERY HARD), was another suggestion.