Ice inside lower door weatherstrip

[BirdTRD]

The last couple times I've attempted to open the drivers door over the last few weeks (sub freezing/near freezing weather), besides the window sticking to the weather strip, the lower seal on the door is stuck as well. I have to get in so I slowly pull the door open, cringing the whole time.

I just checked and both doors have ice inside the lower weatherstrips. I see there are holes along the length but they appear to be air holes as opposed to drain holes.

I'm thinking of snipping some drain holes on the bottom edge of the strip to see if that alleviates the freezing issue. Thoughts? Anyone else seeing this?

[Tcoat]

They are supposed to be drain hole. They work fine when the water is free flowing but the whole freeze thaw cycle can play havoc with the. Did you ever get the upgraded seals installed? I have not had any issue since I had it done.

[BirdTRD]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

They are supposed to be drain hole. They work fine when the water is free flowing but the whole freeze thaw cycle can play havoc with the. Did you ever get the upgraded seals installed? I have not had any issue since I had it done.

I wasn't aware of those lower seals being on a TSB, so to answer your question, no I have not had them upgraded. I suppose it's too late now, since I'm past my warranty period.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by BirdTRD

I wasn't aware of those lower seals being on a TSB, so to answer your question, no I have not had them upgraded. I suppose it's too late now, since I'm past my warranty period.

It is the upper seals that are on the TSB. They reduce the amount of water passing through the door quite a bit.

[BirdTRD]

So after about an hour drive, the ice inside the weatherstrip melted. I dried off the door jam and seal but when I close the door, water squirts out the "air" holes so everything gets nice and wet again, ready to refreeze.

I snipped a few holes on the bottom of the seal to allow the water to drain and dried everything off again...we'll see how that works out. Supposed to be in the mid 20's tonight.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by BirdTRD

So after about an hour drive, the ice inside the weatherstrip melted. I dried off the door jam and seal but when I close the door, water squirts out the "air" holes so everything gets nice and wet again, ready to refreeze.

I snipped a few holes on the bottom of the seal to allow the water to drain and dried everything off again...we'll see how that works out. Supposed to be in the mid 20's tonight.

You might try applying a liberal dose of silicone to the rubber seal and the door jam where the seal contacts the car. Maybe the formed ice will not stick as hard, allowing the door to open easier .....


humfrz