QuestionMy right back window has fallen offtrack, and i wanted to know how i could fix it myself? I don't have money to get it fixed in a shop, so if you could explain how to fix it that would be great...if not is there a way I could put some gorilla glue on the window just so it can never come down? Im really desperate to fix this window because last night someone slid my window down and went through my car : ( Please help...i just want my window to stay up!
AnswerHi Tressa,
The problem you describe is common on this vintage of 4 door Grand Am.
The window is not actually "off track." Rather, the window "regulator" is broken. Unfortunately, the regulator is not repairable, it must be replaced if you want the window to function normally.
Since it sounds like money is tight right now, let's talk about how to get the window up and keep it up. Below are the steps you (or some helpful person) should follow.
1. Remove the small phillips head screw in the center of the trim piece just under the door release handle. Remove the trim piece front edge first.
2. Remove the window switch from the armrest using a small flat blade screw driver to depress the spring clip at the bottom edge of the switch. Press in on the clip and lift up on the switch plate. Once the switch is out of the door panel, remove the wiring connector from the switch.
3. Remove two large phillips head screws that secure the door panel. One is located in the hole from which you removed the switch. The other is in a small hole underneath the "door pull / armrest" section of the door panel.
4. The door panel has several plastic fasteners located around the perimeter of the panel. You need to insert something like a stiff putty knife under the bottom edge of the door panel and pry the knife handle toward you to release the panel clips (like bristles on a brush). The first one is the hardest to release. Be careful not to use too much force. You can break the slots in the door panel where the fasteners are located. After the bottom of the panel is free, work around the front and back edges to release those fasteners as well. Then lift the panel up to remove it from the weather strip at the top of the door.
5. Next you will see a plastic sheet which is fixed to the door using a sticky butyl rubber compound. The plastic will peel off if you remove it carefully. Sometimes it is best to use a utility knife to cut the butyl adhesive away from the sheet as you pull the sheet away from the door. Be patient, you will want to put this sheet back on when you have the window up.
6. With the plastic moisture barrier removed, you will be able to see how the glass slides up and down on the vertical rail in the center of the door. The simplest way to solve your problem is to raise the window all the way up and then install a small "vice grip" locking pliers on the vertical rail just below the glass so it can't slide down the rail.
After getting the window up, be sure to test your repair before you go to the all work of putting everything back together. Also, don't plug the wires back into the switch when you reassemble the door panel. The unconnected wires will prevent the window motor from running and accidentally causing any problems.
If you don't have much mechanical experience or a limited inventory of tools, all this may seem a bit overwhelming. If so, call a couple of glass shops or small mechanic shops. If they are reasonable, they will be willing raise your window and block it into the "up" position for about $50.00.
Let me know how else I can help.
Ben .... the power window guy.
