Driving in inclement weather or even in the scorching hot summer a driver might like the creature comfort of a powerful car heater or A/C unit. If the windows in your Escort are unable to roll up (or down) the comfort level of your driving experience may be compromised. Replacement of the window regulator is required when the window will not open and close properly. The repair is fairly easy, requires minimal tools and can be accomplished in approximately two hours.
Park the car at a level spot. Shut off the car and set the emergency brake.
Remove inner door trim panel by lifting and removing it from the door. Remove the plastic water shield by peeling it from the door.
Check the window glass to ensure that it is in the full-up position.
Remove the center pin of the pop-rivets that attaches the regulator mounting plate assembly to the inner door with a drift punch. Using a drill equipped with a ¼ inch diameter bit, drill out the remainder of the rivet. Take care not to enlarge the sheet metal retaining holes while doing so.
Locate the two nut and washer assemblies, which attach the regulator panel to the inner panel and door sill. Remove them with a wrench.
Slide the run bracket towards the rear of the door. It will be removed near the bottom. Remove the window regulator arm slide-roller from the glass C-bracket channel by lifting it out. Remove the window regulator from the access hole in the door by removing its retaining bolts with a wrench.
Check to make sure that the window glass is still in the full-up position. If so, install the window regulator on the door with a wrench. Insert the slide roller into the glass bracket channel.
Insert the tube assembly by sliding it forward into place. Install the two nuts and washer assemblies onto the regulator tube guide and tighten them with your fingers, leaving them finger-tight.
Install four new rivets or four screws and washer assemblies into the regulator handle mounting plate using a Phillips screwdriver. This will connect it to the door's inner panel.
Tighten the nut and washer assemblies with a wrench.
Open and close the window multiple times to ensure that the system is working properly. If so, reattach the window seal. Clip the door panel back in place.
