Power windows: replace motors, or motors + regulators?

[Spazticus]

Hey!

Among the many electrical ghosts in our machine, our '98 now has trouble getting both windows to return up to closed position. I see on RockAuto that I can get a replacement window motor or get the motor/regulator assembly. But how do i know if i need to get the regulator as well?

Symptoms: Both windows will go down with little trouble, but when going up they move up a few inches and stop. At that point, they cannot go up or down at all. But after a few minutes, they can go up a little further and stop again (doing this a few times inches them closed over time). If i hold the glass by hand and lift, that usually helps the motor to close all the way. I have tried the suggestion of applying silicon lube to the window seals (assume it's a friction issue) but that had no affect.

Any thoughts? I'd like to do both windows before winter sets in. ;-)

Cheers!

[needs_help]

Thanks for posting this, I have the same problem with a window that I want to fix and I want to prevent it from happening to the 2nd one. Have you tried applying anything else besides silicon lube? Is anything else worth a shot?

[Spazticus]

Hey, needs_help!

I have done some work on the passenger-side window assembly in the past. I pulled that door panel apart and tightened up some loose screws in the past when we had a rattle (probably from kids slamming the door) and I did add a little grease to the obvious areas in the regulator. I hesitate to open it up again until i know i have the correct parts as some of the panel clips were damaged, and any replacements from the local parts store don't hold at all well (replacements from the dealership cost about $3 each). But if you can, applying a little grease to the obvious contact points probably wouldn't hurt.

If i don't see any advice about this issue here (determining which replacement i need) i might just order one and see before starting on the other. I can share any follow-up thoughts on my swap if you need, but it appears to be a rather simple job. Just be gentle on those clips. ;-)

Cheers!