Power window motor removal
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 118
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Power window motor removal
My passenger side window is in the down position in my 71. I have power to the motor, but that is as far as it goes. Window does not work. I have determined I need to replace the motor. What do I do? Do I have to take the window & all components out to get to where I need to be? Looks pretty much impossible w/o doing so to me. Please help!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
How did you determine that you needed to 'replace the motor'? Did you disconnect the electrical connector from it, then put 12vdc to each side of the motor to make sure that it did not operate? If you did not do that, you really don't know if the motor is bad or not. And, it likely is NOT defective. Your problem is most likely a bad wire (feeding the inoperable side of that motor) or a bad switch.
Once you pull the connector from that motor, you can just connect a voltmeter up to each socket connector, then work the switch to see if you get 12 volts to its respective pin.
P.S. If you DO need to change the motor, you MUST lock the main mechanism gear in place BEFORE removing the motor. It's best (but not easiest) to remove the entire mechanism, then remove/replace the motor. It CAN be performed with the mechanism in the door, but it is a real PITA job and you need to know what you're doing.
Once you pull the connector from that motor, you can just connect a voltmeter up to each socket connector, then work the switch to see if you get 12 volts to its respective pin.
P.S. If you DO need to change the motor, you MUST lock the main mechanism gear in place BEFORE removing the motor. It's best (but not easiest) to remove the entire mechanism, then remove/replace the motor. It CAN be performed with the mechanism in the door, but it is a real PITA job and you need to know what you're doing.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Sep 29, 2013 at 01:39 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
I recently had to change the passenger side window motor on my car. The problem was not in the switch or the wiring. Mine was in the down position also. The window must be removed to get the regulator and motor assembly out as a unit. On my 77 there is no way to take the motor out without removing the regulator. I was able to raise the window by holding the switch in the up position and hitting the motor with a hammer. It worked normally after that but I changed it anyway because it would certainly fail again.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you lock the main regulator gear in place (on the spring-loaded mechanism), you can remove the motor. It has three short bolts on the back-side cover that you CAN remove with a 1/4" ratchet set. That rear cover will come off, too; you just need to reinstall it properly when you get the new motor in.
Don't forget to remove the ground lead as well as the UP/DOWN connector socket when you get the motor loose.
Don't forget to remove the ground lead as well as the UP/DOWN connector socket when you get the motor loose.
