window motor

[mike561]

ok so my back passenger window decided to quit working a few days ago and today i managed to get the paneling and motor taken off, problem is i cant figure out how to remove the motor from the cables, is there tension inside it?? it looked like there was. i removed all the screws with a star driver but still couldnt figure out how to disattach it from the cables. should i leave it up to someone who knows how to do it or is it kind of easy? if anyone has any step by step directions or something that would be great. also how much is a new motor AND if i can have autozone or advance auto parts order me one by giving the year make and model? thanks!

[richtazz]

That motor is not serviceable separately. It is part of the window regulator assembly (GM#10321731). The regulator assembly may be available aftermarket, but it doesnt appear that you can replace just the motor. The GM one isn't cheap, dealer cost is $193.12. They show a trade/installer price of $254.11, and a list of $338.81.

[mike561]

yeah now i see it, im at this site 1aauto.com and they list one for $99.95 (rear passenger) and i see how is all put together, this would be it right http://images.1aauto.com/WRG/1AWRG00177.jpg it looks pretty complicated to install though, whats involved? looks like the glass sits in that track of course.

[richtazz]

Yep, that's the critter Mike. I haven't done one yet, so I'm not sure what's involved. If no one else chimes in today, I'll get my factory service manual out and see what is involved when I get home from work tonight.

[BNaylor]

What problem are you having with the power window?

Most people just change out the whole Bowden Cable regulator and motor assembly. This is the closest and most detailed procedure I have for doing that. Although it is for a Grand Am a lot of GP owners have used it as a guide.

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


Grand Prix Power Window Troubleshooting Procedure:

http://rmcgp.clubgp.com/windowmotor.html


BTW - If the problem has been diagnosed to a motor only then the motor can be replaced apart from the regulator mechanism but you have to know what you are doing or you'll have a big mess on your hands. NAPA used to sell just the motor without having to get the complete assembly.

[mike561]

well now oddly enough, last night when i went to go try the window once more, it started working again, so im geussing then like the troubleshooting link said, the window might have been stuck, but i dont recall hearing the motor trying to roll down the window, ill listen for it if it does it again though. this car is notorious for electrical problems so i wouldnt be surprised if that was the case. but seeing as how if its possible it could have been stuck also, i think i'll lube up the tracking on all the windows since they all go up and down kind of slow anyway, what should i use to lube the windows that wont leave a mess behind or be corrosive, and would it even help the windows move faster? i'll keep an eye on that window that quit working for a bit too and see if it does it again. thanks once again!

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by mike561

well now oddly enough, last night when i went to go try the window once more, it started working again, so im geussing then like the troubleshooting link said, the window might have been stuck, but i dont recall hearing the motor trying to roll down the window, ill listen for it if it does it again though. this car is notorious for electrical problems so i wouldnt be surprised if that was the case. but seeing as how if its possible it could have been stuck also, i think i'll lube up the tracking on all the windows since they all go up and down kind of slow anyway, what should i use to lube the windows that wont leave a mess behind or be corrosive, and would it even help the windows move faster? i'll keep an eye on that window that quit working for a bit too and see if it does it again. thanks once again!

Most of us use aerosol silicone lubricant like Gunk brand. Also, a polymer based lubricant can be used. Whatever you do never use WD40 on power window mechanisms. Good luck!

[mike561]

ok, so would i just put the lube on the cable, tracks or both?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by mike561

ok, so would i just put the lube on the cable, tracks or both?

Definitely do the tracks. If you can get to the cables at the regulator side you can use the small tube from the spray and do the cables.

[mike561]

thanks! ill do that, would this help the windows move up and down faster? they move slow especially going up.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by mike561

thanks! ill do that, would this help the windows move up and down faster? they move slow especially going up.

The real speed of the power windows is governed by the age of the motor, condition of the battery and efficiency of your charging system (alternator output), however, I have worked with others in the past that claim the lube helps with the speed. Where they were working slowly before, after lube the up and down movement improved. Either way you can't go wrong with applying lubrication. Good luck!

[mike561]

Alright ill definetly do that then, thanks so much for everyones help once again!

[StevePT]

The grease build-up definitely controls how fast the window goes up/down. I just had the door panels off the rear of my GP and felt the tracks and the grease was very hard. I cleaned the tracks with brake cleaner, put some white lithium on the tracks and now notice a significant improvement in the up/down speed of the window.

[mike561]

alright well now the window stopped working again so i think its dead for good, when i push the switch i can hear the motor making a clicking sound so maybe its burned out then.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by mike561

alright well now the window stopped working again so i think its dead for good, when i push the switch i can hear the motor making a clicking sound so maybe its burned out then.

If you hear the clicking sound all that means is the motor is getting the 12v from the switch but doesn't mean the motor isn't the problem. If it is not any of the power window binding and the lubrication didn't do the trick then I'd replace the regulator/motor.