Land Rover Repair: Range Rover 2001 4.0, loud thud, plastic tabs

Question
John, my wife recently purchased the above car which is beautiful.  The only fault with the car is the drivers window (RHS). When you push the window up button, the window goes up but when it reaches the top, a loud thud, thud, thud is heard until you release the button.  The display warns you the RHS window is not set and a warning tone sounds.  Is this something easily repaired?  Any clues?  Thanks in advance...Andrew Park

Answer
Hi Andrew,

sounds like either the window support arm is off-track and hitting the internal door frame or something else is obstructing the window gearing.  

It requires having to remove the door panel and inspection of the window operation while peering up into the frame of the door.  It's not easy but it could save you a bundle.

If the window has somehow pulled out of the raising frame, it maybe easy to repair yourself.  If the framing has become rusted, you may want to have an experienced technician perform this work.  

IF you are careful, you could remove the door panel yourself.  Be aware that the plastic tabs that hold the panel onto the door are brittle with age and can break.  You can buy replacements.  Just don't be in a hurry to remove the panel...go very slow and carefully all around the door when you are popping them out.  A long thin prybar can help.

Once the panel is removed, peel back the plastic vapour barrier and then peer up into the door cavity.  Have someone operate the window as you are watching.  A flexible light would be useful here.  Follow the noise to see what is binding the window as it raises.

If all of this seems difficult, perhaps you can find a LR mechanic that can do this for you.  Considering that the window motor seems to be working, it may only be a framing problem.

Best of luck,

JohnMc