Pontiac Repair: power windows, haynes book, soft aluminum

Question
QUESTION: My neighbor an older gentleman asked me to look at his 1999 sunfire. The drivers electric window will not move up or down. I hear a sound in the door when I push either the up or down. Is there any thing beside the window motor that could be the problem? Also when placing the car in gear jerks the car hard. I was going to check his transmission fluid, but I could not find the stick where did they hide it? Even the owners manual was no help.

ANSWER: Hi
There is a window motot and it is attached to a regulator that is attached to the glass itself.
SOUNDS like either the teeth on the motor are stripped or the motor popped out of the regulator, as that vehicle uses an arm type regulator, not a cable.
It'll probabally need to have the door panel removed and check the motor and or the regulator to find the EXACT problem.
As far as jerking, I would check all the motor and trnasmission mounts. Sounds like you may have excessive movement causing your "jerk". There is no Dipstick it is a sealed unit.
you can ADD fluid through a small round red cap located on the transmission directly under the air cleaner box, BUT YOU CANNOT CHECK IT. I Would say get the transfluid checked by a repair shop.
I Hope this helps.
Just advice from experience.
Good Luck
Paul

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QUESTION: thak you for the info
ANSWER: No Problem.
Keep me informed and let me know if there is anything else I can help with.
Paul

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QUESTION: If it is the window motor, what do I use to replace the rivets I have to drill out? My neighbor has the Haynes book it shows how to take it out, but it just says install in reverse order. If I must use rivets to replace the rivets I have to drill out, will I need a special tool?

Answer
Hi
Get a thin center punch and punch out the center of the rivets (the center will probabally be a gold-ish color or a different shade of silver) as that is a harder metal. Then drill out the soft aluminum part of rivet (I think there is 4 holding in the motor assy).
Then if you get the motor only, you'll have to drill it off of the regulator assy. (3 very small rivets).
The new motor USUALLY comes with the 3 replacement screws to hold the motor to the regulator.
You can also use screws and nuts or small bolts and nuts to reattach the motor/reg assy to the door. Make sure they not too long though to interfere with the regulator going up/down. Also try to get some sort of locking nut, e.g. one with like teflon insert, or getting a thread locking compound like "Locktite", so the nut will not loosen up.
(Going back with rivets is actually ideal, but I have never had a problem using bolts/nuts)
A Good drill bit set, a little patience and a little time, and I think you can do this. :-)
Again, if in doubt though, take it to a repair shop ya'll are familiar with.
This is JUST advice from experience.
Good Luck
Paul