I just noticed something this morning.

If you are forced to park outside in northern climates, even with a heavy frost especially after a rain your windows are not going to work. Of course you don't even notice it till you attempt to roll them down. But how is this going to effect the weather seal?

I noticed when I attempted to put the passenger window down to check for traffic that the back portion of the window attempted to go down but the front portion wouldn't budge.

I was hoping to get a couple more weeks of use out of the car before putting it in storage.

Are there any products that might be of any use in this problem?

 

that sucks. this was just a frost and not a hard freeze, right? i can see all of us calling in to work because we can't get into our cars. if the windows don't go down, you are screwed aren't you? sounds like a big problem.

 

I had the same problem. Solution: I had the window lock button on. I am sure you have checked that, but just in case you didn't .

 

No the problem wasn't due to the lock button being on as I actually seen the back portion of the window go down a fraction of an inch or so. You could see that is was kind of cocking sideways which could possibly cause it to come out of the track.

The question is that since the window isn't doing it's little audi up and down thing when the doors are opened, what will be the outcome of the ordeal? Screwed up weather striping or even worst?

Anyway it's not gonna be a pretty picture for those planning on driving their cars during the winter in the northern regions.

I was wondering about something like Rainx, whether it would cut down on the ice or frost build up?

I guess another alternative would be to put a cover on the car but that is a major pain.

 

Living in northern Indiana, this issue has concerned ever since I heard of this 'feature'. Almost decided to cancel my order over this.

Haven't had the problem yet this year, but in winters past, many mornings when I go to work, or on the way home from work, the windows of my car are frozen shut when I go to start. With the Z, that would mean you can't get in until you've scrapped the window clean so it can roll down 1/4 inch. What a pain.

This feature is one of the main reasons why I decided to store the Z for the winter and keep my old Honda as the winter beater. I think this feature really makes the Z a 3 season car, and will be a big pain in the neck for those who live up north that want to make the Z their year-round vehicle.

 

That use to happen with my Integra...I just turned on the car with defrost and left it running for like 10 minutes while I drank coffee or had some cereal...when I came back it was warmed up, windows defrosted, windows rolling up/down fine.

 

The Integra is different in that it has a frame around the window so it is a non issue. In the case of the Z (which I don't own), I believe the issue is that the window is frameless and just presses up against the seal and can get stuck to it. This probem is compounded by the auto quarter inch roll down feature as it will put stress on the window motor and make entry diffficult.

The only thing I can think of is try keeping the seals moist with an armour all type product. Good Luck!

 

I know exactly what you guys are talking about.


In my 2000 celica gts the windows are free and press up against that weather stripping. Well, in cases like that I lightly pounded the window until some ice cracked, being VERY careful not to pound to hard and it worked out fine. Of course this is oklahoma weather and not northern type weather.

 

I live in PA and just ordered a Z. ETA is Dec and it will be my only car. Should I be worried about the winter months? Are there any other Z owners in the colder climates with the Z being thier only way of transportation?

 

In Tennessee a couple of times a year we get a freezing rain condition. You go out to your car after work and there is clear ice all over your car and windows. This would be a problem with the way the Z window zips down a little when you open the door. On regular cars you can usually get enough of the ice off of the door edges to get the door open and then get the engine started and defrost systems working, but on the Z I'd be worried about just pulling on the door handle.....

I, too, am open to suggestions - and don't say move from Tennessee to Alabama! Those are fightin' words!

Thanks,
WayneTN

 

You know I think about the only solution for this would be something like a cover just to cover the top of the car.
You know the windshield, side windows, and rear window.
It would do away with having to scrape snow of the windshields.
It would infinitely easier than putting on a car cover.
Only 2 drawback that I can think of.
1.) If it wet out the window could still end up freezing because of moisture getting into it.
2.) You have a cold wet cover to deal with.

But if you have to drive all winter long you could take a towel and dry the driver window thoroughly before putting the cover on and that would atleast allow you to open the drivers door without damaging the seal.

 

San Diego weather + garage = year - round Z!

 

yeah, yeah, I know don't rub it in.

but michigan weather + garage + 6 months storage = half as many miles and a new toy to take out each spring.

me thinks the San Diego equation is sounds more appealing

 

Whoa there jack... some of us live here!
Anyway, the weather isn't all that different, at least with north Alabama. And I hate that freezing rain crap. Why can't it just snow or something. Definitely not fun to wake up to 3/4" of ice on everything. Great protection from rocks though!

 

I live in Vancouver, B.C. and although we get more rain then snow, in the winter it usualy drops below freezing at night which means ice sheets on cars. My 89 240sx has a frameless window as well but I've never had any problems. When you pull the door open it comes free quite easily. Probably just has to do with the way the force is applied because if I try to roll the passenger window down before opening the door it won't budge. My weather stripping isn't any more damaged then any other 240's weather stripping after all these years and the bigger problem will come later anyway, when the window starts to pull away from the weather stripping at speed. A quick 15min adjustment fixes that however.

 

I think you might be missing the point.

The z has a sensor that rolls the window down about .25" whenever the door is open.
Then it rolls the window back up when the door is closed.
So the glass actually creates a tight seal against air noise etc.
If the window doesn't go down when you open the door the seal
will at best wear prematurely, and also the window will not seal properly when the door is shut if it doesn't go down first.

 

"If the window doesn't go down when you open the door the seal
will at best wear prematurely, and also the window will not seal properly when the door is shut if it doesn't go down first."

This is a good point. Perhaps even more important, as stated in the Owner's Manual when discussing battery removal, they warn about opening/closing the doors with the battery disconnected:

"...The automatic window adjusting function may not work, and the side roof panel my be damaged."

You have the same condition if the window is frozen shut, you'd better not open the door for fear of damaging the window or the roof panel. Not so great for a car driven in the winter.

 

Not the cleanest solution, but it might be better than risking damage to the window or the weatherstripping:
Take a little silicone based lubricant and spread a very thin layer on the weatherstripping. I was at first going to suggest something like vaseline but I think that since it is petroleum based it would deteritorate rubber.

 

I only said that because Tennessee plays Alabama this weekend. Alabama is a great state, especially north Alabama.

apologies for Off Topic.....

 

Possible solution- leave heater set in the on position. Install a remote engine start feature with your car alarm. Start car from outside car, let it warm up, then get in. I know, it sounds kind of wacky, but it might work...