Automotive Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

my 1997 honda accord power windows go down really really slow.  any idea what is wrong and approx cost to repair?  also the power locks act like they are going into lock mode automatically...they make that sound over and over like someone is pushing the lock/unlock button  

My 97 accord did the same thing. I disassembled the driver's outside door handle. It requires removing the inner door panel to access the nuts holding the handle iun place. There is a electronic switch that the key activates to lock and unlock the car. This switch was faulty. Fix that and your door lock problem will go away.

I also have a slow power window proble. It only occurrs when it is cold though.  

Just found this on another forum: I'm going to try it this weekend.

got slow power windows?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Think you got slow power windows? Think you are gonna have to spend some big bucks for new motors? I bet NOT! Here is a simple and easy how to to save your motors and possibly save you a bunch of big bucks too! I the case of my Honda...the window motors are about $100 a piece.....so $400 to have faster windows then to find out I didnt need em in the first place? OK>...this is worth the time and should be done occasionally anyways.

First the things you will need to get the job done right.

1 bottle of rubbing alcohol...(70% Isopropyl is fine...get the cheapest you can find)
Box of Q-tips (I recommend anything with the carboard or whatever middles...they are stronger and trust me...easier to work with than the plastic ones)....get alot...your gonna use em.
Can of Silicone lubricant (must be silicone LUBRICANT...and not white lithium grease...the white lithium will build up goo after awhile and you will wind up buying parts you didnt need...save yourself...get some Silicone Lube...I recommend either Pyroil or CRC..I have used both...available at any parts store or even WalMarts for you super cheap shoppers)
1 screwdriver...I use a standard 8 way screwdriver...so I have both flathead and philipshead

Step one
Open your doors..all of em.

Step two
Remove the retaining screws for the door panels...most likely 1 or 2 holding it on...prolly in your grab handle and maybe your door latch puller

Step 3
Pull the door panels to get the plastic retainers to pop out/off...you may have a couple fly off...find them to decrease rattles later

Step 4
remove your panel all the way from the door...disconnect your wiring for your door locks, windows, and you pull bar for the door latch puller. You can do this pretty easily with a screwdriver that you already have to remove the screws.

Take the plastic from inside the door and GENTLY pull on it...you dont want to tear it up...it keeps moisture from getting on the controls.

Step 5
Take the Q-tips and start by dousing it in the alcohol...shove it in the window channel and start wiping...when you pull out the first one you will see how dirty those channels can get...keep on going...you will be here awhile. Get it nice and clean.

Step 6
Once your done wiping the lower channel clean, lower your window (you may have to take the window controller out of the actual panel to reattach it so you can control your windows....it should pop out of the panel pretty easily (yes...you cav guys have it easy in the fact yours are on the console)

Step 7
Once windows are rolled down, repeat step 5 for the upper channel half.

Step 8
Take your lubricant and attach the lil red straw and spray the channels (both ends of the window glass!...front half of the door and the rear half)...doesnt hurt to spray more than you think you will need....just get a nice bunch in there...you wont see it anyways.

Step 9
TEST!! and enjoy your MUCH faster windows and be happy that you just saved yourself a bunch of money in the process.

Step 10
Re-assemble everything, test to see you have your doors back together and working properly (IE..your door latch popper, etc..)
clean up your work area and move on to whatever project you have planned for next.

Its super simple, saves you a bunch of cash, keeps things in working order and should be done here and there anyways. Dont forget to spray your rollers or the scissor arm for the window lift while you have everything apart...doesnt hurt anything and I have seen the scissors lock up before.

this is also a good time to clean your panels, switches, whatnot for a nice cleanly detailed look.

cheers!