I recently picked up an 08 Roadster. Haven't driven in the rain yet. The passenger window motor wasn't working so the dealer replaced. It was outside last night and when I got in I noticed a water drip that is pretty persistent coming from the top left corner of the window. My question is could there be an adjustment that the dealer was supposed to make and did not? I watched them replace it and it looked like he took the whole channel out and layed it on the bench to pull out the motor. If so I will take back to them to adjust.

Thanks in advance.

 

The side door windows on all Zx (including roadsters) will slide down a 1/8" to allow the door to open cleanly. One the door is closed, you should hear and see the window automatically slide up to better seal against the weatherstripping. Check your window to see of this is happening on the PS window.

 

Hi, thanks for responding. I did check that and it is going up after the door closes. The window motor is new and was replaced about a month ago. I was thinking maybe the tech didn't adjust it properly when it was installed?

 

My Z is a hardtop, but used to own a convertible (a couple of them) When they were outside in heavy rain, the trim or framework (the side of the top that folds) seemed to collect a bit of water, that would drip down into the car as soon as I moved it. I assumed there was a channel that caught water and was supposed to let it run outside, but wasn't completely effective. This happened in both a Toyota, and a Mercedes convertible.

Just a possibility.

 

I did notice when I opened the drivers door that a puddle of water fell from the roof to the door sill. I will check the passenger also. This leak continued even after driving approx. 5 miles and stopped again. With each stop, the leak continued.

Thanks again,

 

Has to be a simple adjustment issue, imo. Something seems just a bit off.

 

It's a fairly common issue. Both my windows leak in heavy rain and there is a reset procedure to adjust how far the windows go up.

 

Yes this is indeed a fairly common issue. I'm sure they will be able to straighten it out for you though.

 

Called the dealer today. They are going to check it out tomorrow. Will probably try to scam another $50 from me.

 

There is definitely an adjustment procedure, the two main mounting bolts for the regulator can adjust how much "tilt" in the glass has, it has to be set properly to provide a good seal. The only way to set it is to have everything connected with the door panel off and raise the window from inside the car, then adjust from there. Once you get it all set then you can re-install the door panel. I've done several of them and it's not the quickest thing to do but it's necessary to get a proper seal.

I haven't had to do one on a roadster yet but i'd imagine they are even more sensitive to adjustment than the coupes.

 

Update:
SO the dealer looked at my Z. The tech said that the regulator needs replaced. I asked what changed since replacing the window motor a few weeks ago. The window didn't leak then until they replaced the motor. He basically said the cables that hold the window in place are worn and with all the removal and re-install have weakened and the windows is dropping slightly when I am driving.

So, another $277 for a regulator. Are these guys messing with me?

Thanks in advance.

 

If you were mechanically inclined I would suggest trying to adjust it yourself before throwing parts at it. It's very adjustable, from height front and rear to tilt in and out both front and rear. If the regulator is worn out (would be the first i've seen on a Z that was worn and not broken) it could still probably be adjusted to hold up, the only thing supporting the window is the motor itself, so even once the cables are stretched the motor should hold it there.

I'd bet on an adjustment issue. I know you already paid them for a repair, but I would suggest taking it to a different shop if possible. I don't know it that wouldn't end up costing you more in the long run though.

 

Thanks ItalianJoe1!! I will give it a try to make the adjustment. He said it was the cables that were worn and not holding it up and that it was adjusted to factory specs already. Thing is, the service dept has a bay window you can watch them working on your car. I didn't think about it at the time but I specifically saw the tech remove the regulator (it looked as big as the door) and literally toss it onto the bench to do something. He was installing a new window motor and figured he was making an adjustment for that. Now I wonder if he damaged something when that happened.

Thanks again!

 

Doubtful, the regulator and motor are attached to the inner door panel, which is a giant piece of metal the size of the door almost as you say. It won't get damaged easily, but it has to be adjusted from inside the car with the door closed, if not he's just guessing on the alignment. Odds are he didn't do that.