Fix It

A rear power window motor mounts inside the rear door and rotates a gear on the window regulator to open or close the window. By pushing the rear window switch, you are closing the power window circuit in the door and energizing the motor. Once this happens, the motor turns the regulator gear. However, if the motor burns out, you can push the button all day long with no results. Those with mechanical aptitude and an hour of free time can replace a rear power window motor without seeking professional help.

Instructions

1

Pluck the window switch and lock switch from the rear door panel with the trim tool. Pull the wiring plugs out of each switch manually before setting the switches aside.

2

Remove the rear door panel retaining screws with either the Phillips screwdriver or socket set, depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle. If the panel will not lift off the rear door at this time, you may need to pry the door panel trim pins out of the door with the trim tool before removing the panel by hand. (This too will depend on the year, make and model of your vehicle.)

3

Raise the rear door window glass by hand and secure it with packing tape in the fully upright position to prevent unintended glass movement. Manually pull the wiring plug out of the rear window motor.

4

Remove the rear window motor retaining bolts with the socket set. Pull the old rear window motor out of the door through the door access hole. Position the new rear window motor in the door and bolt it in place with the socket set.

5

Reinstall the rear door panel on the rear door by reversing the door panel removal steps. Make sure to remove the tape from the window when done before you attempt to open the window.

Automatic power windows can be found on almost all newer model vehicles as of January 2010. Windows that fail to let down could be potentially dangerous if your door locks malfunction and you needed to exit your automobile quickly. Having information on automatic window problems can be beneficial to vehicle owners.

Window Failure Problems

Several problems could be to blame when a vehicles windows fail to go up and down, such as a bad window motor. Other problems could be due to a faulty switch or faulty wiring. Out of all these issues, problems with the switch are easiest to deal with.

Window Mechanism Problems

Sometimes you will hear a slight humming sound coming from the door when you attempt to raise or lower the windows. This problem occurs because the window mechanism in the door is broken. The mechanism being rusted out can also prevent the window from working.

Window Fuse Problems

When each of the automatic windows in a vehicle fail to work, this often points to an issue with blown fuses. Under the dashboard on the drivers side is usually the location for these fuses. If replacement fuses blow as well, there is likely a short in the windows wiring.

The manual windows in a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire use a plastic crank to move the regulator down, lowering the window. With age or due to abuse, the handle can break making it nearly impossible to roll down the window. Unlike some other vehicles, the 1997 Sunfires window handle is not secured by a bolt. The window handle on the Sunfire requires a careful hand to release the clip that secures the handle to the metal crank on the regulator.

Instructions

1

Crank the handle until it is facing upward, toward the window. This gives you the room needed to negotiate the tools.

2

Insert the window handle tool between the crank and the washer until it meets the small clip holding the handle to the regulator shaft. Press downward on the metal ears on the clip with the tool until the clip is free from the crank. If a tool is unavailable, you can use two small flathead screwdrivers, one on each ear, to remove the clip.

3

Pull the Sunfires window handle toward you and off of the door.

4

Place the metal clip through the slot on the rear of the new handle, just as it was placed on the new handle.

5

Line the rear of the new widow handle up with splined metal shaft protruding from where the old handle was and press the window handle onto the shaft. The shaft has a light taper, so the clip will engage automatically once the window crank is fully seated.

The 1999 Toyota Corolla comes standard with manual (roll-up) windows; power windows are optional. If you need to remove the cars door panel, youll need to first remove the window crank handle. A special tool is required to do this. The window crank handle is snapped on with a small metal clip, sometimes called a "C" clip because of its shape.

Instructions

1

Purchase a window crank handle tool from any auto parts store. You can also order one online. The tool shouldnt cost you more than $10.

2

Grab the Corollas window crank handle by the knob you use to roll the window down. Gently pull this part of the crank handle away from the door. Behind it, between the door panel and the crank, youll see a small gasket. Insert your tool in between the crank handle and the gasket. Insert it on the side the knob protrudes from.

3

Push the tool gently while still pulling on the handle. Youll hear a snapping sound as the clip pops out.

4

Pull the window crank handle straight away from the door panel.