1991 GMC Front driver side power window problems

[sludge62]

My front driver side power window is not working correctly, is there a good way to trouble shoot the problem?

[MarineJAG]

Well, I started work repairing mine today. I have a 2001 GMC and the drivers side power window stopped working. After talking off the inside door panel I found that one of the cables running into the window motor had broken (there are two cables running into the motor). After pulling the motor and looking at where the cables attach (a small white wheel which winds/unwinds the cable) I noticed that the other cable is worn and kinked. I will try and order both cables and attempt to replace them... wish me luck.

I did find out that by simply taking the panel off I learned a great deal about how power windows work. I only think that if I were designing them I would have made them easier to work on.

William

[MarineJAG]

sludge62,

Here is what I found out. Although there are many parts inside the door which operate the window... there are really only 2. The motor, and everything else (the guides, rollers, cables... all known as the regulator). From what I gather, most problems are either with the regulator or the motor. The wheel which gathers up the cable inside the regulator gets dirty (extreamly dirty if you live out in the sticks like I do). This in turn causes the window to slow down or stop. The motor is working overtime when the regulator is dirty and thus may burn out.

Some people may want to only replace the motor... if it burned out there is a reason, so change the whole thing (motor and regulator).

I was able to order a motor and regulator for under a $100. I'll let you know how easy (or hard) it is to change out when they arrive.

WILLIAM

[the_buzz_man]

Just curious how hard it was to change out the whole regulator on the 2001 gmc. I need to do this also and need to know if it something I can do myself.

Thanks!

the_buzz_man

[1thunder]

sludge62 can you hear your motor when you push the window switch on my 91 sierra the glass run on the glass rotted out and the roller came out pull trim panel off to check