(JUBA) – Hello Mustapha, I have been having trouble with my car’s electric windows lately. They move very slowly or sometimes get stuck halfway. On a few occasions, I have had to push them up manually. Could this be caused by dust from Juba’s roads or rainwater from the current weather? I would prefer not to replace the entire system if possible. Is there a more affordable solution?
Hello Irene, and thanks for reaching out. You are definitely not the only one in South Sudan dealing with sluggish electric windows that either crawl up slowly or freeze halfway. I have seen plenty of car owners around Gudele, Munuki and even out in Yei bringing in vehicles with exactly this complaint, especially now during the rainy season.
The good news is not it is not always a costly repair. In fact, more often than not, it comes down to dust, water or worn-out rubber, not a full blown electrical failure.
Let’s start with what’s likely happening to your windows. Juba roads kick up a lot of dust that ends up in every little crevice, especially your window tracks. When that dust builds up in the window channels, it starts creating resistance.
The electric motor has to work harder just to move the glass up or down. Over time, the strain can even damage the window regulator, the mechanical bit that actually moves the window.
If your windows are hesitating, slowing down or need a helping hand to close, chances are those channels are clogged. I always advise cleaning the rubber window edges and the channels with a soft cloth and maybe a touch of silicon spray. Just don’t use oil based lubricants as they trap more dust.
Then comes the rain. We have had plenty of it lately, and it is not great news for older cars or those without proper rubber seals. When the rubber along the edge of your window frame starts to harden or crack, which it often does under South Sudan’s strong sun, rainwater can seep in. Once it gets inside the door panel, it can short the motor or corrode the electrical connections.
A few customers who recently brought their vehicles in from Nimule had water damaged regulators that could have been prevented with a simple seal replacement. New rubber seals go for around SSP 46,000 ($10) each, and they can save you from having to replace a full window system, which might set you back SSP 460,000 to 920,000 ($100–$200) depending on your car.
Here’s a quick guide to help identify the issue:
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Suggested Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Window moves slowly or stops | Dust in channels or dry seals | Clean tracks, apply silicone lubricant |
| Window works sometimes, not always | Water inside switch or wiring | Dry and inspect connectors, reseal gaps |
| Needs to be pushed by hand | Weak motor or blocked mechanism | Clean tracks, test motor |
| Won’t move at all | Faulty switch or broken regulator | Diagnose and replace only failed part |
One tip I give my regulars in Gudele is to avoid high pressure washes near the windows. Those machines can force water into places it doesn’t belong. A gentle hose and soft cloth do a better job, and they are safer for your electronics.
Also, if you are driving a second-hand vehicle, which most of us are, be aware that these problems are common after years of use in hotter or wetter countries. Before assuming the entire window system is fried, have a mechanic check the window switch, motor and wiring. Sometimes, a little electrical contact cleaner is all it takes.
So Shamim, no need to panic or start pricing a whole new door system. Get those tracks cleaned, inspect the seals and if the issue persists, have a mechanic in Juba test the window motor. Most likely, it is something simple and fixable without breaking the bank.
Drive safe and keep those windows rolling smoothly.
