QuestionBen, I noticed a similar issue with my rear passenger window going off track. I had the problem on my right rear window. I was able to take the door panel off and place the window back on track. Unfortunately it kept coming off track. I finally took it to the dealer and was told the regulator needed to be replaced. So I had them replace it, although I was leary about it considering the window worked fine after placing on track only to come off track later. But I figured it woul be fixed and would be under warranty.
Well... Now the opposite passenger window is doing the same thing. After placing it back on track, I decided to compare the recently repaired. It looks like the metal track that connects to the window had slid back and the regulator just barely hangs on to the track at a certain position before falling off track.
My question is, what is the easiest way to reposition thy metal track where it needs to be? It looks the the rubber seal has not moved, only the metal track that sits on the rubber seal has moved. Should I just wedge the metal track off the rubber seal, should I try sliding the metal track on the rubber seal until it is in position, or is thi something a mechanic should do?
AnswerHi Erik,
You can probably slide the "lift channel" back into position using a long handled screw driver with a flat blade as a lever. the channel doesn't need to be moved very far; just an inch or so. Once you have it back in position, place a little adhesive in front of the channel so it can't slide forward again.
If sliding the "lift channel" back into position while it is on the glass doesn't work, you can remove the glass as follows.
1. remove the two 10mm bolts near the bottom of the door that hold the "glass run channels."
2. slide the glass all the way down and then move it out of the "run channels."
3. now slide the glass up between the door and the run channels so it can be removed from the door.
4. now you can easily reposition the metal "lift channel" on the glass and secure it to the rubber with a bit of adhesive.
Then just reverse the process to re-install the glass. Note: you will find it easier to put the glass back on the "guide" at the end of the "regulator arm" with the glass out of the run channels and the regulator arm near the bottom of its arc.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
PS. I can't believe the dealer replaced your regulator. I would be very surprised if Toyota hasn't issued a service bulletin on this problem. It has been going on for years. I think you should try to get you money back or at least a credit toward future service / repairs.
Ben ... the power window guy
