Vertical glass scratches in all 4 doors

[all-world1]

I have an '03 Trailblazer with vertical glass scratches in all 4 door windows...and lots of them. Every time I use the power windows, more scratches appear. It's on an extended warranty and the dealer won't do anything because there's been no technical bulletin issued. Phil Edmonsen cites this complaint in his Lemonaide Books. Has anybody experienced this and had anything done about it?

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF. Usually this occurs from debris trapped in the upper window sweeps, dirt or sand, then the glass drags over the area, first see if it cleans off, if not, try blowing that area out with an air hose, mine is troublesome in that area also.

[all-world1]

Is this because the window slots are too tight or that the sweeps are poorly designed? Did you see a reduction in scratches when you started to blow out the sweeps?

I know that there was a technical bulletin on the '02 Grand Ams for window scratches and dealers had a process of enlarging the window openings to rectify the problem. I really haven't seen this happen on any other vehicle.

Thanks for the advice maxwedge.

[maxwedge]

Yes if the sweeps were clean I didn't see much more of an issue, I live in a very dusty area though. True they are tight to the glass, my 2003 Lesabre does not have as severe an issue with this.

[all-world1]

Just one more question, and thanks for taking the time. You mentioned blowing out the sweeps....there's probably a lot of crud stuck in there...is there any way to stick something in between to get most of it out?"

[maxwedge]

Wouldn't hurt to try, wait til it is nice and dry though.

[Legacy Man]

I have the same scratches on my glass too. When you roll down the windows you can tell (hear) if there is dirt on the sweeps (belt mouldings?) It sounds like fingernails on a black board. I hand wash my vehicles and pay special attention to these areas on the Trailblazer and my Suburban. The glass is permanently etched but it's not getting any worse. LM

[all-world1]

Thanks for that. I know what your mean about hearing the window rubbing against something abrasive when activating the power windows. Do you get in between the window and sweep or just a good scrubbing on top of the sweep?

[Legacy Man]

It doesn't take much to keep them clean. When I'm washing the vehicle I have the hose with a sprayer on the end. When I wash the windows I spray the window sweeps with a high pressure mist. I don't want to put too much water down inside the door (although it does drain out via the weep holes at the bottom of the door) but it's the pressurized water that has been doing the trick for me. LM

[all-world1]

Thanks guys, you are a big help. Wish I knew about this earlier, all windows are etched and the rear right door glass looks more like frosted glass now. But I guess it couldn't get any worse now.