Auto Glass: Windows wont go all the way up, putty knife, crow bar

Question
Hello,

I clipped the driver side rear view mirror pretty good at a drive through and now the window won't go all the way up... any quick fix? I haven't tried yet to yank the rear view mirror assembly in the opposite direction. I was thinking of sliding a pry bar down and trying to pry whatever is in the way back to where it should be, but don't want to cause more damage.


Answer
Hello Evan,

Your assessment of the situation sounds pretty reasonable.  I suspect that the "run channel" that the front edge of the glass slides up and down in was partially squeezed closed by the accident.  

Pulling back on the mirror will release some of the pressure, but be careful how hard you pull.  The mirror is held on by three bolts/studs that are screwed into plastic stems on the mirror housing.  Those stems are pretty easy to break if you pull too hard.  

Using some sort of tool to open the run channel will also help.  Again, be careful not to use a tool with too narrow of a surface such as a crow bar.  It will distort the channel.  Use something at least two inches wide like a stiff putty knife.  

Lubricating the run channel with spray silicone will help too.  Don't use any lubricant but spray silicone.  Cheap silicone is just as good as expensive for this purpose, so get whatever Lowe's or Home Depot sells at the best price.

If these suggestions don't solve the problem, get back to me with a follow up question.  Be sure to include the make, model and year of your vehicle so I can give you more specific directions.

Ben  .... the power window guy