HOW TO: Replace power window assembly (56K warning - large pics)

[daxx]

Having had the third window regulator break in the last year, I noticed there isn't a how to with pics, so here goes...

The procedure shown is for the LH rear door. Front doors are very similar, but have two sliders instead of one and the bolts are in slightly different positions. I didn't have take pictures when I did the front windows, but if you get the door panel off and look at the component locations, it is pretty self-explanatory.

Time: I've had some practice at this now, so it only took me 20 minutes this time. If you've never taken your GA apart, allow an hour work time.

WARNING: To swap the window regulator I didn't disconnect the battery as it is necessary to roll the windows up and down. I take no responsibility if you short something out and your car explodes! If you are at all unsure about doing this procedure, seek professional advice.


1. Obtain a new regulator assembly:

I looked at the prices on gmpartdirect.com, and almost fell off my chair! The rear door regulator I needed was over us$280. I then went eBay shopping, and found the part I needed from ZBRA Motors (http://stores.ebay.com/ZBRA-Motors) for us$99.90 shipped. By doing the swap myself I also saved an hour of labor at dealer cost, which was us$70/hr last time I was at a Pontiac dealership.


2. Assemble your tools:

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/01.jpg

You will need:
Flathead screwdriver
Philips screwdriver
10mm socket, extension bar and rachet or breaker bar
Duct tape
Cloth
New window regulator

[daxx]

3. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry out the reflector at the bottom of the door. Be careful with this, as it is easy to break the clips.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/02.jpg


4. Still using the flathead screwdriver, carefully pry out the window switch.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/03.jpg


5. Disconnect the plug going to the switch. There is a small clip on one side that needs to be depressed before the plug will come out.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/04.jpg

[daxx]

6. Using the philips screwdriver, unscrew the trim around the door handle...

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/05.jpg


7. ...pull the handle and slide the trim piece out.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/06.jpg


8. Remove the scew in the switch hole.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/07.jpg


9. Remove screw behind refliector.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/08.jpg


10. Remove the screw at the bottom of the handle.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/09.jpg

[daxx]

11. Pry the door trim loose. It's held in place by plastic clips, and there is a opening at the bottom where you can get your fingers in to give it a sharp tug. Make sure the bottom and sides are free.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/10.jpg


12. Lift the trim panel up out of it's groove next to the window. The trim panel hooks in at the top and clips in down the sides and along the bottom.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/11.jpg


13. Remove the plastic water shield. This is held on with some really sticky adhesive that strings out if you just pull the plastic. The best way I found to get it off is to pull gently while using a flat screwdriver or knife to cut through the adhesive. When you have the plastic off, make sure that nothing gets on the adhesive or it may not stick in place properly. When the plastic is off, you can see the window regulator assembly.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/12.jpg

[daxx]

14. Reconnect the switch and roll the window regulator down to the bottom so you can see the bolts that hold the glass in place. Using the 10mm socket, extension and bar remove these two bolts.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/13.jpg


15. Slide the glass to the top of the window frame with your hands, then secure it so it can't fall back down. I use a cloth over the top of the door to protect the paint, and then use two strips of duct tape that is stuck on one side of the glass, go over the top of the door frame and sticks to the other side. If you have window tint, DON'T stick the tape to the inside of the glass! Duct tape may remove tint film.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/14.jpg


16. Disconnect the wiring plug from the motor. This also has a small clip that needs to be depressed before the plug will come out.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/15.jpg

[daxx]

17. Using the 10mm socket again, you need to remove some bolts. On the rear doors, you need to take out three bolts (circled in green) and loosen off three bolts (circled in yellow) to remove the regulator. Each door is slightly different, but it will be obvious which need to be loosened as they will be in a slot with a large circular opening above.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/16.jpg


18. When you have the bolts out or loose, you will have to rotate and twist the regulator to get it out. I didn't get any pictures of this as I needed both hands to get the thing out. On this rear door, lift the regulator and motor out of the slots and rotate the whole thing counter-clockwise. Bend the cables so the motor will come out the door first, then lift out the regulator. Front doors have two lifters, so will take a little more fiddling to come out.

19. Put the broken regulator to one side and refit the new one. Assembly is the reverse of removal, with the one exception that you shouldn't tighten all the bolts until you have the glass bolted back onto the regulator so you know that all bolts are going to line up properly. Reconnect the wiring plug and switch and roll the window up and down a couple of times to make sure everything is working, then refit the water shield and door panel, replace the three screws and put the door handle and reflector back in place. Fortunately, everything will only go in one way, so it's not easy to get things wrong. Be aware that all four regualtors are different, and can't be swapped between doors.

[daxx]

When I got the old regulator out, it is obvious where it failed. The entire weight of the glass is resting on a small nut-like piece on the wire, surrounded by plastic.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/17.jpg

On the old regulator, the top part of the plastic clip had broken off, allowing the window to fall back into the door.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/18.jpg

If your window won't go up but you can hear the motor working, it may be possible to temporarily make a repair. You need to remove the window regulator, and using a flathead screwdriver, lift the cable and nut out of their groove and slide the glass holder up a little, so the nut is holding the window up. You won't be able to roll the window down as it will stick in the frame, but it will keep the glass up until a new regulator can be fitted.

http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/19.jpg

[Apollyon9515]

Nice how to, and great pics

[Pacman]

wow, NICE write up! very informative! i'm having a little problem with my rear driver's side and it might go out soon. now i know that i can do it!

[daxx]

I just re-read the write up, and need to point out that if you have any kind of window tint, DO NOT stick duct tape to the tinted side of the glass. There is a chance that the tape will remove, or otherwise damage the tint when you peel the tape off. If you have tint, it's probably best to get an assistant to hold the glass up while you swap the regulator, or you could place something in the door cavity to stop the glass from sliding down.

[shadesofnight]

WOW THATS GREAT!!! I had my drivers side done and it p'd me off that I couldnt figure out how to do it myself, but my pass side is going bad now too and with these GREAT pics and awesome info I might be able to take on the task!!

Gotta emphasize the quality of those pics man... some of these how to's just dont have enough pictures for an amateur like myself, but this is GREAT!

[stanjk3]

Anyone know a good place to buy a new clip?? I'm talking about the plastic thing the cable nut sits it that's pictured above. I didn't see any at the ebay store mentioned above, and I'm assuming Pep Boys and Autozone don't stock these.
Just broke the one on my passenger window (front obviously). Motor still works fine, it's just the clip that broke - AGAIN!!!

[GRocks10]

I give you major credit! This was an excellent "how to" with great quality pictures taken. If only I had known about this the first time I got the window regulator replaced with a new motor. Would've saved me alot of money! I've already had 2 of my windows replaced and now I might be going on three because I feel like one is about to crash on me soon. Worse part is that its always those damn plastic clips that screw it up!

[oldblueyes]

Anyone know a good place to buy a new clip?? I'm talking about the plastic thing the cable nut sits it that's pictured above. I didn't see any at the ebay store mentioned above, and I'm assuming Pep Boys and Autozone don't stock these.
Just broke the one on my passenger window (front obviously). Motor still works fine, it's just the clip that broke - AGAIN!!!

that's the scheme man...i've done the same thing 4 times now and each time it's the ****ing clip that breaks...but they dont sell those seperately, so you gotta buy the whole regulator assembly..my advice is to buy one of each and put em in the garage cause more than likely you'll need one...

[pontiacman99]

Yeah I ran into that problem it sux that they don't sell the little clips seperatly cause those regulators get expensive

[stanjk3]

Yeah I ran into that problem it sux that they don't sell the little clips seperatly cause those regulators get expensive

Yes they do, see this thread for the part numbers. AFAIK http://gmpartsdirect.com/ is the only place that sells them.
http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28800&highlight=power+window+regulator

The dealer will tell you otherwise, they will only sell you or replace the whole regulator, not just the clip. From what I can tell, on the front door it looks like you need to remove the whole regualtor just to be able to replace the clip.

[Carlitoboy]

This is a great article!

GAGT forum should make an expansive HOW TO section here with posts just like this for the Do-it-yourselfer (DIY)!

Regards,
Carlito

[SikMindz]

This is a great article!

GAGT forum should make an expansive HOW TO section here with posts just like this for the Do-it-yourselfer (DIY)!

Regards,
Carlito

Umm...you mean the HOW-TO section that's already here?

[daxx]

Edited to correct path to pictures. Also, a printable PDF is available of this process is now available by clicking here. (http://www.cansell.org/cars/ga_power_window/ga_power_window.pdf)

[stangdude]

I've already replaced just the clips like you guys are talking about, they are like $22 a piece from the dealers, however I was strolling through my local autozone the other day and about crapped myself, they stock these clips in their "HELP" section. There's a pair of the ones for a Grand Am and some other ones, I'm assuming for a chevy truck or something, but the whole kit is like $7, that's enough to do one door, both clips. I was amazed and just wanted to share the info

[Y2KGA]

I've already replaced just the clips like you guys are talking about, they are like $22 a piece from the dealers, however I was strolling through my local autozone the other day and about crapped myself, they stock these clips in their "HELP" section. There's a pair of the ones for a Grand Am and some other ones, I'm assuming for a chevy truck or something, but the whole kit is like $7, that's enough to do one door, both clips. I was amazed and just wanted to share the info


I went to my local autozone and looked at the help section. The clips they have are for GM part numbers 22689012 and 22541970. These are for the sash and not the guide that attaches to the regulator cable. Does autozone (or anyone else) carry the guides?

[stangdude]

Not that I'm aware of as far as AZ is concerned. The sash guides are a new item within the past couple months, and the newest HELP catalog I can find is the 2005 catalog, which does not list either clip. I might call Motormite (HELP) and find out, I'll post up here if I find anything out.

[Woody87]

sweet, thanks. my drivers side regulator decided to shatter some clip and then have the window fall down on the way home from chicago yesterday...I'm gonna need this how-to.

[lone_wolf025]

That's odd. For some reason the pics don't show up when I look at this. My firefox browser doesn't even show that the pic links aren't working (as does explorer). So is it just my end (connection is a non-issue) or are the pic links not working right now?

[Woody87]

That's odd. For some reason the pics don't show up when I look at this. My firefox browser doesn't even show that the pic links aren't working (as does explorer). So is it just my end (connection is a non-issue) or are the pic links not working right now?

they didnt work for me at first either, but just refresh it or close it and come back to it and it should work sooner or later

btw, I replaced my regulator yesterday. I bought a new one from Schram's (for $125), I would have ordered one from ebay for 55 but, I needed it with all the rain and everything this week. anyway, the install was a lot easier than I thought it was gonna be. I think I'm gonna replace my passengers side one eventually, its running a little sluggish compared to the brand new one I got.

[blckgagt]

this would of been very helpful if i would of read this a couple weeks ago. I didn't know there was a screw behind the reflector so i just kept pullin and pullin. Finally i figured it out. But for the first time dong it, everything well very well. Didn't break anything and now it works like a charm. Bought it from a friend through O Reilys for 75 bucks thanks to his discount. Then the 10 dollar core charge.

[B0000rt]

Nothing for our old lowly previous generation Grand Ams? :(

[Y2KGA]

Nothing for our old lowly previous generation Grand Ams? :(


The regulator design is different on the older GA's. The biggest challenge is figuring out how to take the door panel off. Its also a good idea to have a friend nearby to hold the window glass.

[B0000rt]

The regulator design is different on the older GA's. The biggest challenge is figuring out how to take the door panel off. Its also a good idea to have a friend nearby to hold the window glass.
I've figured that out, I guess I could make a HOW-TO for that, but the regulator, I have no clue :( The holes to get at them seem soo tiny!

[misguided]

I just bought a power window assembly from Zbra.com. Installed in and found that the motor turns opposite from the factory one I just removed. Can I just switch the wires around in the connector to make the window go up when I push the switch up?

[caraudiodave]

when i did mine like a year ago i used a rubber door stop to hold the window up. its tint face and theres no duct tape residue left over. it was a few $s at staples. i happened to use it to hold the window up while i was saving up to buy the new regulator.

[Y2KGA]

I just bought a power window assembly from Zbra.com. Installed in and found that the motor turns opposite from the factory one I just removed. Can I just switch the wires around in the connector to make the window go up when I push the switch up?


Yes

[99GTCoupe]

Okay, here is my dilema. I took off my door panel and looked inside, and since I have a coupe the pic of the regulator looks different than how mine looks. I had taken some pics but they disappeared off my cam, but it was at dusk anyways so the pics sucked (bad cam anyways). It may have been the bad light, but the more I look at the pic here the more similarities I see.

Anyways, what I want to know, from the pic here Original and Aftermarket Regulators (posted by pongagt) (http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/pongagt/P0012520.jpg) you can see that the white round piece that is in the lower part of the original one is what I found in the bottom of the door. Now, why is it that the aftermarket and original one look different (ie the white half circle in different spots and the wire comming out the back of the regulator motor part, is that just the power supply wire??)??

Also, I am assuming that from this How-To it is a realatively simple installation. I will have to look at it better in the light after work tomorrow, but my big question is if there is anything different between replacing the regulator in a coupe driver's door and a sedan driver's front door??

I may just say screw all this hassle and see if I can get the money from my mother to have this done. I'm starting to get very frustrated with all I have found out today (with the damn noise and SES light) and with the fact that my window broke fully (the some clips that I believe are part of the actual regulator broke, they look like the ones in the bottom and top corners of the regulators) and won't stay in the full 'up' position, will only stay halfway >< I may just be at the point of saying screw it all and just getting it done by someone. This really sucks @$$ and I just want my damn stuff fixed. I would prefer to do it myself, but if there is a chance of me screwing it up, then I will just take everything out and then have a place replace it (I did found out, at least, that if you just need a place to put the regulator in then they charge much less for the job being easier).

Damn, what a mini-rant, but I hop eyou all understand :)

[Y2KGA]

The wiring harness is different. The oem regulator has the plug connected directly to the motor. The aftermarket version uses a pigtail. Both are compatible and it won't make any difference when installing.


check out this site for more instructions on changing the regulator on a front door.
http://www.a1electric.com/grandam.htm

[Cormaster]

This is great stuff! acctually my window regulator just failed on my driverside door, the glass won't stay straight when I put the window up or down, so I just got a new power window assembly off ebay for $50 shipped. This is exactly what I needed!

[el nino]

anyone know where i can find the window and door switch housing thingy for the driver side door? i think this was done befor i got the car and the clip that holds it in is broken so it kinda sticks out just a little.

[slickjoe]

Good luck finding those plastic white clips alone lol. It's impossibe to find. I suggest to just keep u'r old regulator in case a part in the one your replace breaks, so then u can just pull the piece of the old one and slap it onto the replaced regulator.

[slickjoe]

Only thing is, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE SCREWS OUT. Tugging and tugging will result in a possibilty of tearing your door panel!!!!

[greg biz]

the PDF and JPG links are broken and so is my window motor... help!

[GMMike]

the PDF and JPG links are broken and so is my window motor... help!

The wiring harness is different. The oem regulator has the plug connected directly to the motor. The aftermarket version uses a pigtail. Both are compatible and it won't make any difference when installing.


check out this site for more instructions on changing the regulator on a front door.
http://www.a1electric.com/grandam.htm

Use that link. Its has good instructions and pics.

[daxx]

Hosting has gone bye-bye, and my new ISP won't let me run a server off my connection, so I moved the images and notes to Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcansell/sets/72157600029645061/), in case anyone still cares.

[GMMike]

Yea thanks, I got my regulator today so I'm going to see if I can do it when I have time.

[greg biz]

thanks! i got mine fixed yesterday. it wound up being that plastic piece that holds the window..... thats the regulator right?

[GMMike]

I went to my local autozone and looked at the help section. The clips they have are for GM part numbers 22689012 and 22541970. These are for the sash and not the guide that attaches to the regulator cable. Does autozone (or anyone else) carry the guides?

A part of those sash supposed to be glue on to the window and the other part bolted on to the regulator right? That's what I need for my car.

edit:also does anyone have a pic or know how to put that sash on the right hand side of the regulator?

[ramairgt19]

dam i am going to replace my window crap but the pics aren't showing for me there all X off anyway i can have those pics sent to me please

[GMMike]

Hosting has gone bye-bye, and my new ISP won't let me run a server off my connection, so I moved the images and notes to Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcansell/sets/72157600029645061/), in case anyone still cares.

http://www.a1electric.com/grandam.htm

Try those links, both of those work for me.

[lone_wolf025]

Dumb question but I assume a front driver's side (for 4-door) is the same for a 2 door driver's side?

[jenny22]

My drivers side window stopped going down (it is stuck in the up position). Nothing happens when I push down or up on the switch (passenger side works just fine). I do not hear a motor or anything trying to move when I push the switch. I didn't have any problems with the window falling off the track or anything. Does this sound like the regulator problem, or could it possibly be the switch?

[lone_wolf025]

Most likely either motor or switch is the problem. If the regulator went bad you'd have it falling in or clunking sounds.

[CK GAGT]

how do i remove the two bolts if my window is already up and will not roll down?

[hass]

My drivers side window stopped going down (it is stuck in the up position). Nothing happens when I push down or up on the switch (passenger side works just fine). I do not hear a motor or anything trying to move when I push the switch. I didn't have any problems with the window falling off the track or anything. Does this sound like the regulator problem, or could it possibly be the switch?

I'm having the same problems as well now.
I'm going to check out the switch, see if that will work.
Will run to a salvage yard and try to get one for cheap.
But of course they'll charge me an absurd amount.

[Y.K.Y.W.T.P]

anyone know if I can just order the white plastic clip. http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/6303/20md6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I order the part number 22689012 from autozone, and that's not the part I need.

[lone_wolf025]

If the part on the regulator is busted you're looking at a new unit. The only part of that assembly you can buy separate is the motor.

[Y.K.Y.W.T.P]

damn that sux balls.

[lone_wolf025]

FYI Be careful where you buy a replacement regulator. I learned the hard way that they don't always fit even if the ebay seller says they do.

[Y.K.Y.W.T.P]

but did you get it to work though after fiddling around with it. I'm crossing my fingers and purchasing one from the link on the first post of this thread(ebay). But I'm just gonna remove those white clips and put them on my old regulator piece cause it still works. The plastic guides are the ones that broke.

[lone_wolf025]

It worked...for about two weeks. I'm currently driving around with an OEM replacement regulator sans motor which I'm waiting on.

[stienut]

very well done, saved me a bundle, twice. I got my regulators from smartparts.com. good parts and fast shipping

[iceman]

If the part on the regulator is busted you're looking at a new unit. The only part of that assembly you can buy separate is the motor.


Not true, you can buy the clips themselves, just did my passenger window the other day.

Drivers side windows are 22697622 and passenger side 22697623. You'll need 2 per door.

[williamGT]

my window ain't working in my car.....still moves up and down....I took off my door panel and the last clip holding my window is cut in half, this happened to my driver side window and GM had to replace the window, they said that the window clip is glued on. so for now I just unhooked the window switch...and no be rush to get it fixed winter is coming soon.

[jims99ga]

Seth, thanks very much for posting those part numbers.

[gobraves00]

are the pics posted anywhere else?

[SE'sarecool2]

Drivers side windows are 22697622 and passenger side 22697623. You'll need 2 per door.

You sure? There's another thread in the Part Numbers section that says 22697623 is the drivers side and 22697622 is the passenger side. Which is correct? I want to make sure I get the right one because the rear guide on my driver front window broke over the weekend.

[iceman]

Not true, you can buy the clips themselves, just did my passenger window the other day.

Drivers side windows are 22697622 and passenger side 22697623. You'll need 2 per door..

[bdub12]

Wow, I wish I would have read this before I did mine. Somebody ripped the whole assembly out of both front doors before I bought so I just got done replacing both of them. Should there be glue or something to hold the sashes to the window? I was moving them up and down to make sure they worked and the sashes seem like they seperate from the window a little bit when going back up.

[CC_01GAGT]

i would also like to know which glue to use because when my clips broke the sash actually fell off the window