Power Window Help!

[the_professional]

Due to the fact that I live in Brooklyn, and my car has been broken into numerous times, I need quick assitance.

Seemingly out of no where, my rear left side window fails to go up. It makes a groan sound. I tried "helping it up" to no avail. It continued to slide down. So I proceeded to take off the door trim. With that done, I did not know where to start. Im not strong when it comes to electronics. When I press up or down, it makes a sound, the window does not move. With the door trim off, all that moves is a cable like device encased by a short, small spring near the the middle horizontal door brace. It moves this "cable" inside, and thats it. What is wrong with my window? I am not good with the terminology, so please describe what "whatever is malfunctioning" in detail of where it's located, what it looks like etc., such as a window regulator, etc. What do I need to purchase?

Please answer ASAP, thank you so much!

[tran.man48]

From what you are describing, it sounds like your regulator is broken. You can find a replacement rear window regulator off ebay (about $40) and replace it yourself (simple 45 minute job).

If you are up for a challenge, you can try removing the track/regulator assembly and fixing it yourself.

Anyway, if you search for the camry body repair manual, there is a section that describes removal and replacement of the regulator.

[eyeball96]

I agree the regulator has bit the dust...there really ez to replace tho...Hell I've done it 3 times and I'm certainly no mechanic. But I figured it out.

Once u have the door panel off there's access holes to get to the bolts that connect the window to the reg, then ur able to lift the window up to the closed position. (I used duct tape looped from the inside to the outside of the window to hold it up.) I was working on a Coupe, a sedan should be ezer!

[the_professional]

Thanks Guys.

Being quite ambitious, I decided to take out the regulator/motor assembly. The window motor itself works fine, it seems to have a problem with the metal cables running through it that move the window up and down. I took apart the motor, it seems the cables have too much slack and they dont line up right in the motor. It is quite a pain to line both cables up right within the motor. I almost had it in right, when they came loose. I am gonna work with it more probably tomorrow. Any tips?

[Spitfire]

while this is on the topic of window regs, how do u clean them? all my windows are going up a lil slow so im guessin they are dusty or dirty. anyone?

[Zviator]

Oh well, my front driver side window has been going up really slow recently, but when I press the button with one touch, it goes full speed all the way down. So I first thought there's some dusting issue going on.

I took off the panel for check a quick check when I got home today, and when I felt the motor with my hand, it's damn hot. Then I tried to get the windown up and down for a few round, until it suddently refused to move AT ALL either way. So at this point I dont think it's a dusting issue anymore, I shut everything off and wait for 5-10 mins (the motor was boiling hot). When the I put key on AC and pressed the button, the window then can move again (still slow on the way up though).

Anyways, I will ask for my mechanic opinion sometimes soon, and possible replacing all 4 doors motors, This is when I wish I had a coupe >.<

[tran.man48]

The motor that runs the window spool can get weaker over time. Also, the grease that is applied to the regulator dries up. You can take out the regulator and regrease the whole assembly with MP grease. The camry body repair manual shows you where to apply the grease; IIRC, you just apply some grease along the track and rollers.

Camricer, in your case, the motor shuts off because it is overheating. your best bet might be to replace the regulator itself. More economical than just replacing the motor

Here's the link to the body repair manual PDF:
http://www.camrystuff.com/manuals/Gen3/bo.pdf

[Zviator]

Thanks tran, I hate putting down money to solve the "aging issue" of the old car.