windows difficult to raise

[jlbloom]

Hello! We have a 2014 Sierra 363rl. I would like to open the windows instead of turning on the A/C. The windows are so difficult to open that I give up. I don't believe the previous owners ever opened them.

TIA for any suggestions!

[Bama Rambler]

Are these the slide windows or the crank out windows?

Does it appear that the seals are sticking and holding the windows closed? If so you can crank them until tight and wait a while then once the seals start to release you can crank them more until they're open. Once you get them open you can spray the seals with seal conditioner to keep them from sticking again.

[jlbloom]

Thanks for the reply! They are slide windows. It is a 2014 393RL, not 363. I'm going to see if some lubricant will help. I can pull the lock controls in, but the windows will not slide up. There is very little room for movement.

Thanks!

[rsdata]

some use of WD-40 and a flat screw-driver blade to open up (slightly) the window slide channel might help... get the WD-40 and use the directional spout and apply sparingly... so it doesn't drip all over.

Once you get the window moving up and down, lightly sand the window track to remove any corrosion, blow it out and finish with silicone spray.

[jlbloom]

Thanks, rsdata! I will give that a try. ...Julie

[mmangiarelli]

This works great, apply once a year.

[Flybob]

Use dry lube or teflon lube.

[jlbloom]

Thanks everyone for the replies. The product is on the way!

[Daniel.mullins4]

I have the same problem with my slide up windows, it just plain sucks! I push in on the release and pull up, jurking and tugging and finally-slam it opens, and the small ones sometimes I just give up. I have tried the silicone but not much success. Maybe a crow bar will work better.

[rsdata]

I have tried the silicone but not much success. Maybe a crow bar will work better.

The reason that windows stick, besides being sideways torqued due to lurching down the road, is that the groves get dirty and corroded. Aluminum oxidizes into a white powdery substance that makes smooth new aluminum gradually feel like sandpaper in a few seasons. Light sanding with emery cloth or fine sandpaper in the window grove and the window sides, then blowing out and flushing the grit released, then following up with a silicone lubricant might help.

Aluminum oxidation happens faster than steel oxidation because aluminum has a strong affinity for oxygen. When all the aluminum atoms have bonded with oxygen, the oxidation process stops.

What Does Aluminum Corrosion Look Like?
Rather than flaking through like rust, aluminum oxide just forms a hard, whitish-colored surface skin.

[Daniel.mullins4]

As far as I can see on my windows the white powder coat is not oxidizing aluminum, it seems that the vinyl seal is the culprit, when attempting to open it needs to get past that vinyl seal and is very difficult. once I do get past the vinyl seal it is a very smooth operation.

[rsdata]

the vinyl seal is the culprit, when attempting to open it needs to get past that vinyl seal

maybe a trim on the vinyl with a razor blade?

[jlbloom]

the teflon spray product has definitely helped. there is a spot just above where you start to lift them that sort of sticks. it is so much better than before!

Thanks for your help everyone!