QuestionQUESTION: my driver side rear window wont go up because the motor just went out. is there any way to get the window up with out replacing the motor, i live in florida and it rains every day here. i work about 65 hours a week and just need a quick fix until I can take it in this week. sorry I forgot to tell you its a 2000 suburban.
ANSWER: Hello Rick,
Almost every failed rear window mechanism I have replaced on this type of GM vehicle is due to a window REGULATOR failure rather than a motor failure. However, if you can't hear any motor noise when you activate the switch, then the following steps are worth try.
1. Start the engine and put the vehicle in PARK with the emergency brake on.
2. Make sure the "lock out" button on the master window switch is in the unlocked position.
3. Open the rear door.
4. With your right hand activate and hold the switch to raise the window.
5. With your left hand shut the door firmly while holding on to the switch with your right hand.
If you have no motor noise when you activate the switch and the steps outlined above don't get the motor to work, you may have an electrical problem such as a bad switch. You can easily pry the rear window switches out of the door panels with a small flat blade screwdriver placed under the front edge of the switch. Put the switch from the right side onto the wires on the left side and see if that doesn't solve the problem.
If the window still doesn't go up, I think you will need professional help. You don't mention what part of Florida you live in, but I believe in most areas of Florida you will find "on site" service available for power window repair. ALL ABOUT POWER WINDOWS is one service I can highly recommend. If they aren't in your area, there may be someone else that offers a similar service. While I can't vouch for their professionalism or reasonable pricing, it would sure solve your "no time" problem.
If you have any other questions, please send me a follow up.
Ben ... the power window guy
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hey Ben the motor is working but I think one of the pullys is broken is there any way to disconnect them. The wire that goes throught the pullys is tight and that's why the window won't go up
AnswerHello Again Rick,
The mechanism that moves your window up and down is called a "cable style window regulator."
If the motor attempts to move the window, but the window won't move, then your "regulator" has failed. The typical failure occurs when the cable that pulls the window up breaks free from the plate that attaches to the window. When you attempt to roll the window up that broken cable gets tangled in the spool turned by the motor. The window won't move because the cable that pulls it down is also tangled and can't be pulled out of the motor spool to allow the window to go up.
If all you want to do for the moment is get the window up, cut both cables near the motor. BE SURE YOU ARE CUTTING THE CABLES AND NOT THE ELECTRICAL WIRING. Once you have cut both cables the window will slide up and you can hold the glass in the up position with a clamp or a vise grip.
There is no way to repair this mechanism. It must be replaced. The mechanism is sold as an assembly that includes a new motor as well as a new regulator. The GM part is more expensive than an aftermarket part. I recommend you only purchase an aftermarket part made by DORMAN Products. Many auto parts stores will carry that brand. Other aftermarket brands are more likely to faile prematurely.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Ben ... the power window guy
