Body - Front Door Glass Doesn't Close Properly
NUMBER: 12-144-13DATE: 02/07/13
APPLICABILITY:
2010-12MY Legacy and Outback Models
2009-12MY Forester Models
2008-12MY Impreza, WRX and STI Models
SUBJECT:
Front Door Glass Does Not Close Properly
INTRODUCTION
This Bulletin provides an inspection and repair procedure to address a misalignment of the rear upper and lower window sash which may cause the front door glass to bind or move slowly when opening or closing. This condition may also cause erratic operation of the power window Auto-Up feature (if equipped). In some cases, when closing the window, the system may mis-interpret the binding condition and activate the pinching hazard prevention feature and reverse the motor's direction.
COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION
A countermeasure was made to the alignment of the upper and lower sash and was incorporated into production starting with the VINs shown.
SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION
^ Determine if the front door glass is tilting forward when opening. With the window fully closed, put a piece of masking tape vertically on the glass near the top corner parallel to and against the rubber weather stripping (glass run channel). Lower the window a couple inches then see if the masking tape has moved away from the run channel creating a gap as shown in the photo. If a gap is verified, the joint between the upper and lower window sash will need to be inspected for a misalignment condition causing the glass to bind in the run channel.
^ CAREFULLY remove the door trim panel, vapor barrier, door glass, run channel and window regulator / motor assembly following the procedures in the applicable Service Manual.
^ Inspect the sash joint as shown in the photo above, right. If the gap is found to be more than 1mm, the lower sash will need to be removed and the flanges on the lower bracket re-shaped with pliers as shown below, right. Making small changes at a time then trial fitting after each will provide the best results.
^ Once the lower bracket flanges have been re-shaped and the gap reduced to .5mm or less, re-install the lower sash.
^ Confirm there is no free play between the sash and the lower bracket which could cause a rattle.
^ REPLACE the rubber glass run channel with a new part as the original may have become deformed or damaged by the prior excessive gap (binding) condition.
NOTE:
Remove the door mirror to allow the new glass run channel to be properly secured.
^ Re-install the regulator / motor assembly but do not tighten the retaining bolts. Once all 4 bolts are in place, tighten them while holding the regulator / motor assembly in the leaning backward position as shown in the photo. Tighten then torque the bolts to 7.5 Nm (5.5 ft.lbs.).
^ Next, re-install the window glass and attach it to the regulator / motor assembly. Utilizing the same method used when installing the regulator / motor assembly, hold the glass in the leaning backward position as shown in the photo. Torque the 2 bolts to 7.5 Nm (5.5 ft.lbs.).
^ Before re-installing the vapor barrier and the door trim panel, confirm the power window operates normally. Once the re-assembly is complete, check the operation again before releasing the vehicle.
WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period, this repair may be claimed using the information shown.
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