2006 Sonata - Bad news, Good news

Well, I had my first significant failure on my 06 Sonata. The passenger
side power window starting operating every more slowly until it got to
the point where it would slowly roll down, but would not go back up
without manual assistance.

In addition, the steering wheel starting making a funny sound when
turning left and right, particularly when the weather was warm. It
sounded almost like a squeegee sounds on a window. It was most
noticeable when turning the wheel a lot while parking, etc.

I did have one prior warranty repair for the anti-chip film that came
off the front of the driver's side rear wheel.

The good news is that it appears that both of the above items as
diagnosed today (window regulator and clockspring) appear to be covered
under warranty since the car still has fewer than 60,000 miles.

So, losing a window motor in less than 4 years and 53,000 miles is a
nuisance, but I'm glad for the Hyundai warranty terms! Now just have to
wait for the parts to come in and take the car back again.

Matt

 

Well, technically the regulator isn't the motor. Be glad you don't have a
GM Vehicle. Seems like the window regulators break like clockwork every 2
years (at least they did on my Grand Am's). In fact, one of them failed
twice under warranty, and the 2nd failure was in such a way that they
actually had to replace the glass instead of just the cheap plastic clips.

Now if my 06 Sonata would quit blowing out Brake Lamp Bulbs every 6
months.....

 

I assumed it was all one unit these days, but I haven't seen one apart.
I still like my old Chevy pickup crank windows. 16 years and 114,000
miles and the windows go up and down just like new. I don't think I've
had a car yet with power windows that hasn't had to have a motor or
regulator replaced at least once.

The dealer did say regulator, so maybe the actuator rusted or something
and the motor is actually OK. Are they separately replaceable units in
the Sonata?

 

Never had one break twice. Probably because I took the regulator out and
propped the window closed with a notched piece of wood. All three (two
cars) that I did were rear windows and they rarely ever got opened anyway.
I'm told that may be part of the problem, not using the window and it sticks
in place putting more load on the regulator cable.

I'm sure the design can be improved with better material, but that could add
25¢ to a door, a buck a car.

 

I'm a little bit concerned about the diagnoses, as they're different
from the majority of what I've experienced. Slow windows and windows
that require assistance are most often the result of a worn window
motor. I've also heard on a number of vehicles (not just Sonatas) a
low-volume high-pitch whining noise which most often emanates from the
seal in the top of the steering rack. Although, as I recall a little
more, I think the rack noise was limited to 2005 and older Sonatas.

Of course, not having been there to look at the car, you know what my
thoughts are currently worth.

 

Well, the good news is that both issues appear to still be under
warranty so if the regulator and clock spring don't fix the problems ...
the dealer will get to do a "do over!"

Matt