Non-opening windows?

Hi there, I’ve recently acquired a 2004 Trooper and although the windows on the inside have (butterfly) catches they refuse to open and from the outside it would appear that the (darkened ) glass covering each panel are glued on.
The previous owner didn’t use it much and suggested he knew little about it,  similarly the owner before that, so the trail is a little cold.
I read somewhere that the darkened glass negated the need for opening windows, anyone have any thoughts?
.....and I can’t find the fresh water drain tap, there is what seems to be a broken plastic tap below the passenger door, assume that drains the grey water, it’s all a bit of a voyage of discovery, but a whole lot more civilised than my wife’s Type 2 bay windowed horror!
Paul

Your forum profile photo is just a bit small to be certain - is it T4 or T5 based? That year could be either.

I don't know the T4 at all well, but the T5 ones have a tendency for the seal to weld itself onto the glass if not opened for a while.

If the glass tint has a film on the outside that was probably added after it was manufactured, as I think the VW factory darker tint is in the glass itself.

Hi Roopert, thanks for your interest and reply, the van is a 2004 T5, we’ve only just picked the van up, but there are a number of mysteries!
We couldn’t get the lights to work, but have subsequently worked out the switching sequence, the gas seems ok, but the water system is a bit of a mystery, ideally it would be good to meet another 2004 Trooper owner, we accosted a T4 Trident owner in a car park who was pleasant enough, but how long can you delay a fellow traveller asking about a waste water tap?
Thanks again,
Paul

There is a lot on the forum re windows on a T5 ,do a 'search'.
Just type in various words into the search box at the top rt. of page. and on the home line Search and then Advanced Search with Topaz in first box and frederic in Author
For example topaz , sliding windows, etc there is a lot on here.
some written by frederic
We had a 2009 topaz for 3yrs and sliding windows can be a problem.
A fellow member in the ASOC lives in Worcs and is a long time owner of T4 & T5's
frederic

As Frederic says, the T5 sliding windows get discussed a lot - mainly for the wrong reasons.

If they do not currently leak and you aren't desperate to open them, I would leave them alone if it were mine. A previous owner may have done the sensible thing and put sealant round them! We had the one in our sliding door replaced with aftermarket, as the factory original was beyond repair.

These windows work well if given the occasional bit of TLC.  The  butterfly catches simply raise a pin from the location hole in the track.  They can be stiff  if unused. After closing the butterfly wings towards you, you need to pull to get the window into the slide groove. Hold the wings closed together whilst sliding to the desired position.  If they haven't been opened since 2004 (!!!) get your partner to put some pressure on the glass, near the butterfly, from the outside until it moves inwards.  Clean and lubricate the groove. Clear the drain hole at the forward end of the groove.  Enjoy !  Keith

KMRTOPAZ wrote:These windows work well if given the occasional bit of TLC.

Agreed, they can, but one of the problems on the Trooper (and possibly the Topaz?) is that because of the frame that A/S add, if they leak you can't actually see unless it's a major leak.

On ours, the one in the sliding door had been leaking for years under its previous owner, which had rusted and distorted the steel (what were VW thinking in using that material?) frame under the bottom runner. Hence ours was unrepairable. I've heard of others where the lower runner rusts so badly that it breaks the bond to the surrounding glass and the sliding part drops off inside the vehicle!

Our windows and on all T5's are VW factory fitted as it is a window /passenger van, not sure about T4's.

Copy of work done on our 2009 Topaz due in part to hardened, sliding glass to window, seals and split pin tips on the original sliding window unit which allowed the slider to be a loose fit to the main glass, blocked drain channels further exasperated the problem. VW Cheltenham said that when the T5 first came out they had several unconverted units from Willersley to rectify! 
Replacement slider pins were all one construction with no tips.
Lubrication, (softsealing), on the slider insert rubbers is essential!

Work to be done:-
Replace insert glass unit to off side sliding window. (Supplied in original packing)
Keep removed unit for me please.
Please ensure drain hole is clear at front end of drain channel, compressed air blow through works well.
Recommended lubricant for track and sealing gasket is the Krytox Grease GPL205 supplied by me. Cheltenham VW Van Centre approve of its use.
Kevin Packett Service Adviser 01242 51816
VW fix ref. TPI 2007260/7

frederic

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 by [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] on Wed Oct 16, 2013 7:24 pm
frederic

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Thanks Frederic for your input, I’ll investigate further when I get time and another pair of hands, but from what you say, it might be worth letting things remain as they are, at least there is no water coming in at the moment!

The probable main cause of leaks from these windows is the failure to ensure that they are completely and correctly closed. Pressure on the glass from the inside at  both forward and rear edges ensures that the window has returned to it's correct outward position. When this has not been done correctly, it can be seen readily from the outside.
The second reason, I believe, is a failure to ensure that the drain hole at the forward end of the groove is kept clear.    Keith

Thanks for the replies, I’ve now investigated further, or to put it another way,  had a proper look, and it would appear that the operating rods and links have failed and the windows sealed up, best advice seems to leave well alone, and live with them as they are, so the plan is to do just that!
Thanks again,
Paul

Best plan. 
But don't forget to make sure the window drain channels remain clear!
frederic

For those who did not fully access forum this was the fix in my case.

Off side sliding window insert replaced at Marquis Tewkesbury Service Centre.
Easy when all trim & plastic work removed. Cost about £100 (+ VW insert £100) so worth getting done if under warranty.
One could do it ones self, as the trim removal did not seem to hard.
Near side would be easier.
Fault seemed to be the disintegration of the location rod sleeves, on the ends of the pull up rods, that act as stops.
Replacement rods now have shaped smooth metal ends so they will not breakup/wear! 
Track &  Window Seal lubricated with 'Krytox' waterproof grease/lubricant (VW recomendation)
Note late (2009 onwards) may have the modified rod ends.
So don't open the windows if they are watertight and if you have to, make sure that you ease the location rods into the stops, don't let them snap in on their own!!! AND keep seal clean.


frederic