Auto Glass: replacing window clips, pontiac grand prix, gm version

Question
I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix.  One day my son rolled down the back passenger power window and after it rolled down, we heard a "clunk" sound.  Following the sound, the window would not roll back up.  We can hear the motor working.  We were able to pull the window back up and have it held in place with duct tape. lol.  I suspect that the clips that hold the window in the track have broken. How easy is this to fix?  Can I do it myself and what is the cost?  Thanks so much!

Answer
Hello Amy,

The window mechanism in your Grand Prix is called a cable style window regulator.  It uses cables (think bicycle brake cable only thinner) to move the window up and down.  There are two cables: one pulls the window up.  The other pulls the window down.  The cable that pulls the window up has broken.  Unfortunately, the cable is not repairable.  The entire assembly must be replaced.  

It's hard to know if you can handle this project.  In my opinion, it is beyond the capabilites of the average person who doesn't have specific door panel/window regulator experience.

If you go to your local GM dealer they will charge you $300+ for the part and about $150 for installation.  Talk to your regular mechanic.  If he routinely does window regulator work, he will be familiar with an "after market" part made by Dorman.  It is a good unit and sells for much less than the GM version.  An experienced mechanic can replace the regulator in less than an hour, so you should be looking at a total bill in the $225 range.

Sorry it's not a do-it-yourself project.  

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

Ben .... the power window guy.