Driver side window motor regulator replacement

[Ed_Strong]

Im getting ready to replace the drivers side window motor regulator over the weekend on my 2000. Got the new replacement unit today but to my surprise it doesn't include the screws to go over the rivets that will be drilled out!

Does anyone know what kind screws and nuts I need and will all be the same size and lenght?

Also the Haynes manual is useless for this procedure, so I read most threads here on the issue, but that was about a month ago. Can anyone comment on tips, short cuts and best practices?

Does the window glass have to come out? What drill size do I need for the rivets?

[danielsatur]

Grind the head of the pop rivet off, and push rivet in.

Caution - Drilling a pop rivet out, makes the hole bigger.

Use a small fine thread screw with a locking nut from your local hardware store for replacement.
You might be able to use a plastic pop rivet from the dorman section at the local auto parts store.

Yes - pull the glass out during the replacement.

[akakwo]

I did this several years ago on my 2002. Do not remember the bolt size replacement and did take the window out.

My issue with the window was once it was all the way up, it would not go down. Got a new motor which worked for a few weeks and then did it again. Turns out the motor would roll past the last tooth onto a high flat surface of the regulator. It did not have the power to reverse so it remained there. I took the regulator out and cut one more tooth so the motor could roll into it. Have not had a problem since.

Good luck, it is not too bad.

[Ed_Strong]

I got it done yesterday and it wasnt so bad, except that I had to go back to my not so local hardware store to pickup longer bolts for the glass mounting holes. I just wish I wouldve had that bit of info when I was gathering all the tools and supplies!

I saw this video showing the procedure done for a ford explorer on youtube and it's pretty close to the Windstar, In fact, if you watch all his Ford window replacement videos, you can pretty much get all the pointers you'll need to get it done right and quickly. I just didnt do the first drilling step on this video as it is not required for the Windstar!

I did not have to remove the window glass to do the procedure which saved me a lot of time, I just taped it to the frame like in the video.

Also in my case the window got jammed, which got it stuck in the up position, so after drilling the four rivets holding the window motor to the door, the regulator was still jammed in place, so I had to grind the tabs that hold it in place, after that it just came righ out and the replacement went in fairly easy