Auto Glass: manual window mechanism, aftermarket auto parts, salvage yard

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1996 Ford Probe with a driver side window that won't go up or down using the manual handle. After removing the interior panel, it appears that the cable wire is not connected to the window handle or something like that. I can move the window manually and the window appears to be in place. Are there any diagrams showing how the cable is supposed to be? I don't get any response from the handle other than it does tighten after turning in either direction. How can I hook this together to crank the window up and down?
Thanks for your help..

ANSWER: Hi Sam,

The mechanism that moves your window up and down is called a regulator.  In your case the regulator utilizes two cables to move the window.  One cable pulls the window up and the other pulls it down.  Both cables are attached (one wound clockwise - the other wound counter clockwise) to a spool that turns when you crank the handle.

Unfortunately, the condition you describe is not "repairable."  Your only solution is to replace the mechanism.  Start with your Ford dealer.  I doubt they will have your regulator in stock, but they should be able to order one for you.  It is likely to be expensive.

If you are looking for a less expensive alternative, try contacting a salvage yard.  Unless you live in a large metropolitan area they aren't likely to have one on hand either, but they should be able to get you one from another salvage yard somewhere in the United States.

I have already searched the two "aftermarket" auto parts sources that I am most familiar with.  Neither one has the regulator for your car.  A quick search of Ebay produced lots of "hits", but none of them were for a manual window regulator: they all appear to be power mechanisms.

Sorry I couldn't give you better news.  Feel free to ask any follow up questions you might have.

Ben .... the power window guy.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Ben,
How tough is it to put on a different regulator if I were able to find one in a salvage yard. I've previously fixed handles and a window out of place but have never tried to sort out the cables and such...and as you know there is not much room to work in there...
Thanks

Answer
Hi Again Sam,

You sound like you are fairly mechanically inclined so I don't think you will have too much trouble.  Below is an outline of the steps you should follow.  

1.  Remove the door panel

2.  Position and support the glass so that you can see the glass mounting bolts (three I think) that hold the glass onto the regulator.  These bolts go through the "plate" that slides up and down the vertical track in the middle of the door.  Once you have removed the bolts, slid the glass up to the top and support it so it can't fall down.

3.  Remove the bolts that hold the regulator to the door.  You will probably find two bolts at the top of the vertical rail, two bolts and the bottom of the vertical rail, and three bolts around the regulator crank stem.

4.  Once you have removed the mounting bolts, remove the broken regulator from inside the door and install your new regulator in the same position as the broken one.

5.  Now position the "plate" on the regulator so that you can access the glass mounting holes.  Lower the glass into position and install the bolts you removed in step #2.

6.  Re-install your door panel.

If you have any problems, just send me another e-mail describing the situation.  I should be able to walk you through it.

Good Luck,

Ben .... the power window guy.  

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