How to Replace Power Window Motor
Replacing your cars electric window motor yourself can save you quite a few dollars. These days money is tight for most people and making minor auto repairs has become a necessity. Follow along with this article and you should be back on the road in no time. The drivers side window gets the most use by far, so you'll probably be replacing that one. One point to consider is that, on some cars its not the entire motor that's bad. But it's the plastic gear inside the motors gearbox that strips out. If that turns out to be the case on your car, you can save a lot of money by only replacing the gear and not the motor assembly.
Begin by placing an old towel on the seat to protect it from stains or tears. Removing the door panel requires you to remove all the screws from the panel. The screws can be Phillips head or more likely they are of the Tor-X (star) head style. Some screws may be hidden under plastic caps or plugs in the door panel. The panel will also have numerous trim panel clips holding it in place. Your local auto parts store should have the panel removing tool you need. You can pry the panel off without this tool, but you run the risk of damaging the door and/or the panel. You use the tool by sliding it behind the panel, around the clip and then prying the panel off. These clips are notorious for breaking, fortunately the parts store usually stock these parts. Bring one of the old clips with you, because they're all different shapes and sizes.
With the panel off, remove the switch panel from the door panel and set door panel out of harms way. Under the panel is a clear plastic film that needs to come off. Do not damage this or your car will leak water inside when it rains. If the window is up when motor quits, insert a strip of wood under bottom of window inside door to hold it up. Be very careful working inside the door as the edges of the door cutouts tend to have very sharp edges. You can place a strip of duct tape along the edge to keep from slicing yourself open. Remove the motor retaining bolts, slide motor out through cutout in door. BEFORE unplugging the wiring harness from the motor, try the motor to see if it runs. If the motor turns over, it's probably just the gear that's bad. Remove gearbox cover and replace gear, grease gear, reinstall cover. If the motor doesn't turn over then you need to replace the motor assembly. Unplug wiring harness from motor and reverse these directions to install new motor.
Points to consider during installation: If plastic film on door is ripped, be sure to repair with duct tape (no leaks). If door trim panel clips are broken, slide out bad clip, slide in new one. Line up holes in door with trim clips carefully, using your hands or a rubber mallet gently tap them back in their holes. Spray glass runner channels (felt tracks window slides in) with silicone spray, helps new motor/gear to last longer. If all went well, you spent an hour or two replacing the power window motor, and saved a hundred dollars or so.
