Chevrolet Repair: Impala Driver side door panel, plastic locks, plastic tabs

Question
How do I remove the driver side door panel on a 2000 chevy Impala. I have power windows ,and the window on the driver will go up or down.......it's in the down position now.....I cannot raise it nor lower it......the switch  seems like it's working.....I hear it running when I toggle it...but nothing happens with the window, I'm wondering if it's off track ......a friend said it might have a broken belt....can u guys help me out?
Thanks alot,
Fred, B'ham AL.

Answer
Hey,

There is no belt in there, thats old style chryslers that have a plastic drive belt.  Yours is a motor and a regulator.  If you don't know how to get the panel off you definitely are not going to have the equipment to get the regulator out and should probably take it to a shop.  The motor and regulators are riveted in with special 1/4 inch rivets that take a special gun to install and special tools to remove.  They are very problematic window systems and the plastic tabs on the bottom of the glass have probably either pulled off or broke in which case they take a special urethane and tool to install..
sorry, I know its not what you want to hear but if you wreck the door panel (they don't like to come off) you will only be mad at yourself.
 The door panel is held in place with two main screws near the pull handle that you grab to close it, and a hidden screw or two in the bottom depending on the interior options.  You will have to use a special tool to release the white GM plastic locks that push the door in or they will break if you pry on them the wrong way.  Once all of the door panel is almost off just lift up and out of the top window opening.  Thats how it hangs there.  Door work can be very finnicky and they are all lllll different.

Wayne


WAyne