On my 2000 SE the driver side window is slow to go down and even slower to come up. The window sounds as if it is straining as it is going in either direction. The issue has been around since I bought the car in july. Is this a known problem and is it expensive to repair if so?

 

You probably need new power window motor.

 

any idea of how much cost- both time/money?

 

it is a known problem. it is most likely the window runner. i had mine replaced on both front windows after the passenger seized one day. i was finally able to close it but it was moving so slowly. they replaced mine under a tsb (technical service bulletin) for 2k-2k1. just for the parts, it was around 600 so luckily i had it covered.
before they replaced them, they did lube up the guide which helped but the squealing and sticking came back so thats when they replaced it.

 

I used carb cleaner to clean the inside of the felt wwindow seals (inside and outside ones) and used white lithium grease on the window track. Problem solved, window goes up and down fast, no problem...I have to do it every couple of months, but no big deal..beats $600.

And it's not a bad window motor.

 

what exactly is the window track and how do you access it? I've had this problem for a while and thought it might have something to do with the tints.

 

the track runs on the front and back edge of the window. You don't have to "access" it, just spear/spray some grease in the track with the window down, then roll the window up and down to spread it along the whole track.

Obviously, this may or may not work for you - but it worked for me.....

 

Yeah, i guess it could be affected by tint also, since they make the window a little "thicker"