QuestionMy neighbor has a 1987 Grand Wagoneer. His rear window was rolled down, then the power window stopped working. He removed the panel to access it but the glass was blocking the bolts that allow you to remove the window entirely.
We looked things up online and found that there are retaining clips that hold the window on track, I popped those off, but the window is still stuck in place. It wiggles forward/backward, but will not roll up enough for me to fix the wiring issue that is preventing it from raising. Any idea of how to get the window out without cutting the door apart?
The haynes manual says "raise window to remove bolts"...if only it was that simple.
His vehicle has a rear fold-down tail gate that is 1/2 of the door opening, the window slides up and fills the opening.
http://industryfigure.com/berkeley/fsj/tailgate/index.htm
This article describes the window being removed, but not in enough detail to do it myself. I already removed the 2 clips that multiple articles say hold it in place- but it's not budging.
AnswerHi Jason,
This is one vehicle tailgate mechanism that I have never worked on. From the information provided in the article you enclosed, it is definitely unlike anything else with which I am familiar. I have no idea why the glass won't release from the regulator now that you have removed the clips as suggested.
I do have a couple of suggestions that might help.
Many other tailgate window systems employ a "safety switch" that must be closed in order for power to reach the window switch / motor. Often times the only thing wrong is a worn-out safety switch. By temporarily jumping the safety, you can use the vehicle tailgate window switch to move the window.
Most other tailgate mechanisms of this vintage locate the window motor wiring in such a way that you can reach the motor connector even with the glass down. Assuming the motor is still working, apply power from a 12V battery to the motor leads and move the window up or down by switching the leads.
If the window motor has failed in the down position, some vehicle tailgate mechanisms require that you use a 3/4" hole saw to make access openings in the tailgate to reach the fasteners that hold the glass to the window mechanism. I don't know if that applies to your situation, but it is a technique that works well on other systems.
I hope this information helps. Feel free to send a follow up question if you need any clarification.
Ben ... the power window guy
