Auto Glass: 97 Toyota Camry ISSUE, jeep grand cherokee, toyota camry

Question

Car Pic Hello,

    My mother has a 97 Toyota Camry and all the sudden the driver window will not roll up. Everything else works fine( power locks,other windows,etc.) I tried fidgeting around with the wires under the dash board to see if there was anything loose or unplugged. I have a teeny bit of experience fixing/diagnosing this because I just recently had the same exact issue with my 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee and all i did was adjust the ''boot'' on the door and I didn't have to do anything to the door panel or replace a switch or motor. ...

      What can i do to help my mother's window issue? Will I need a switch or motor? Or is there a simple thing I could do? Please help ASAP, I do not feel safe with her driver window being rolled all the way down. Thanks so much guys!! =)

Answer
Hello Anna,

The most common problem with this vintage of Camry is a bad window motor.  However, there is no way to know for certain if that is the cause of your Mom's problem without checking the switch first.  This takes some specialized tools and a bit of proprietary information, so I think it is a job you should take to a professional.  The switch is easily accessible and it doesn't take more than 10 minutes for an experienced mechanic to check out.

If it is the motor that is bad, the job is definitely not for someone without the proper tools and know how.  It requires removing the door panel, the door glass, and the window regulator.  A replacement motor from Toyota will be a little pricey.  You can get a good after-market motor at a much lower price.  I recommend one made by Dorman.  Their part number is 742-600.  You should be able to find one at most auto parts stores.  Whatever you do, don't buy a re-built motor.

One last thing you can try to get the window up before you have time to take it to a mechanic.

1.  Sit in the driver's seat and start the engine with the shift lever in "Park."

2.  Open the driver's door.

3.  With your right hand pull "up" on the driver's window switch button and hold it "up".

4.  With your left hand shut the door firmly.

This won't do anything if your problem is the switch.  However, if your problem is the motor, sometimes shutting the door while applying power to the motor is enough to get the motor to run long enough to get the window up.

Let me know if I can help in any other way.

Ben  .... the power window guy