OK, before anyone says it... I know they go up and down... I know of the problems that are associated with "the windows" but have a question.

Here is the deal... I have the "typical" passenger window problem... sometimes it works...

Right after I got it that window gave me issues. But it started working once again. Last winter it stopped and has not started up again. So I got a control module from a Forum Member parting out a car and a motor from a vendor recommended by another Forum Member. I was ready to figure out what part was giving me issues when today I accidently hit the wrong button (wanting to roll down the drivers window and hit the passengers window… it went down!!!!

So here is my question. How does the whole window work? Are the stop switches on the motor or the regulator? Is the regulator the gears part of the window moving the glass while the motor drives the regulator? I understand the control module has the relay that operates the motor.

I was bothered that I did not get the regulator. I am asking for suggestions on where to start. Is it the regulator getting hung up or the motor getting stuck. Can I just swap out the motor without changing the window stops (I am assuming that there are switches stopping upward and downward movement at the proper locations).

Anyway… any insight would be helpful.

 

How do the windows work..?? NOT VERY WELL..GM cars are noted for their poor operating design...Pontiac is the worst.. My drivers side C5 window drops like a rock when I lower it.. I have not fixed it since at least it does go up and down...remember the windows on the 1984 C4...slow ,slow slow..a total design failure..just check out the large total of replacement window regulators for sale on the big auction site and you will see that 95% of them are for GM cars..

 

Mine used to sometimes either get stuck or go slowly. I took the door apart and the cable had frayed very badly so that it could not move over the rollers. I had to replace the whole regulator assembly. I got a low mile used one off of a wrecked car on Ebay for a little over $100. Definitely worth it since I drive with the windows down 80% of the time. Installation was very simple and quick

 

Ok, here is my understanding on how the windows work. You are correct that the relay for the window is located in the door control module. The limit switches which stops the motor (regulator) once the window has reached its final position is in the motor itself. Think of it as a tork limit switch. When the window hits the end of its travel, the motor armature will move up or down slightly, hitting the limit switch which interrupts the voltage flow to the motor. When the motor stops working, the armature has become stuck up against the limit switch. Slamming the door or hitting the motor may dislodge the armature and it will work once again. You can replace just the motor because it sounds like the gear box is still ok.

I think when people use the term "regulator" and "motor" they are referring to the same thing. I hope this helps.

 

I've had the window motor apart and there are no limit switches inside...





See the springs between the green and blue fittings? Now I'm just guessing, but I think the control module can tell when
the springs cause an increase in current draw as the window nears the limit and starts compressing one of those springs.
It then shuts off the motor.

Here's a close up of the spool:


The motor armature (the ivory plastic housing just has the brushes in it):