Window motor without removing regulator from door. (DIY)

After months of my window constantly getting stuck all the way up (fully closed) and closing on top of the window trim I decided it was time to swap out my window motor since that was what I had in mind that it was.

I was trying to find a diy guide for just the motor but the diy that are online state that you actually needed to take out the whole regulator assembly. That involved drilling out the rivets (in some models like mine) and taking it all apart to unscrew regulator and motor from the back of the scissor lift.

I got the motor with the switch that goes on the motor for $15 at my local junk yard.

(Do at your own risk, it worked in my situation and you will see why)

Tools needed:

-Flat head screw driver
-T-20 torx screw driver
-Motor and 2 socket switch that goes with it
-Tie straps (2)
-Rubber Mallet
-Lithium Grease

Step 1: Start off by removing the door panel and unplug all of your wiring harnesses going to your speakers, mirror adjusting switch and mirror defroster I believe. At this time you can also remove the 2 harness plugs that go to the regulator. The entire wiring harness has 2 tie straps to the door frame which I cut to make it easier in removing the motor. Now you can move the wiring harness a little more without it being tied down. You should have it looking like this.



Step 2: If you look closely at the motor side of the regulator you will see 4, I believe they are T-20 small bolts holding the motor onto the regulator. Remove them in order to remove the motor assembly. There two of the bolts that are visible and 2 of them that are in the back against the door frame not hard at all to remove.








Step 3: Get your flat head screw driver and insert it behind the 2 plug switch on the regulator and move it. This should loosen the cap that surrounds the motor. Remove that steel cap (wiggle it until it comes out) and set it aside.







Step 4: After removing that steel cap you will expose the internal part of the motor. You will then take your flat head screw driver along with the rubber mallet or just your other hand and hit it a couple of times and it should pop right out along with that 2 plug switch.



Note: After you pop out the old motor put in a screw driver or something to hold the window in place so it won't go all the way down as I did in the picture below. (Does it matter, hummm not so much I'm assuming but I did it anyways)



Step 5: If your situation was the same as mine here is what my issue was. The 2 plug switch had worn out internals as you can see by the picture below in comparison with the one i got at the junk yard. Those two spring loaded prongs get worn out over time. When you press your switch to make your window go either up or down it gets to the point where it won't make good contact with the motor and in turn won't function.

Brand-newishh on left old on right





Brand-newishh motor up top and old on bottom




Step 6: Now for re-assembly. Get your new 2 plug switch and insert it onto the motor with the bigger inlet on top and smaller one on bottom. Make sure you insert it with the plug openings facing toward the back of the motor like this.



Step 7: Now with your flat head screw driver again you will need to press in one prong at a time since they are spring loaded you can't just slide it in. Prior to inserting the new motor inside the regulator this would be a good time to add some grease to prevent any ugly noises.






Here is what the regulator itself looks like and where you will be inserting your new motor.




Step 8: I found it easier to remove the steel motor cap when inserting it inside the regulator. Get your rubber mallet and hit it on the end of the motor. (not on the copper part of the motor, but on the pointy end). Tap it until it goes in most of the way. After you see it go in most of the way you can then get your steel cover cap and slide it in (it may need a tap or 2 from your rubber mallet as well to line it up with the holes to bolt it back up.)








Tighten up the 4 T-20 bolts get your new 2 tie straps that you cut and replace them. Plug in the window switches from the regulator and test it before you put your door panel back on. You will need to re-program the window. Get inside car, close door and hold down the switch making the window go up all the way and hold it down without letting go for about 10 seconds, now make the window go all the way down until it stops and without letting go of the switch hold it again for another 10 seconds. This should activate the one-touch feature. Now all you need to do is put back your door panel and your done!

This was the first time I did this and it took me about 15 minutes. It may take you more or less, it just depends on how fast you move.