94 Camry, broken electric window

[Donald]

The window went down and now will not come back up. I can hear the motor run in the up and down position. But cannot see the window. I assume something inside broke or fell off. If I can get it apart I am sure I can fix it.

However I hate fooling with the inside door panel. I see a few screws hidden by caps towards the front, but none towards the back. So questions.

1) Do I any special tools to get door panel off?
2) What about the door opener handle and lock. Does that need to come off first?
3) Are all the electrical connections on a plug so I can totally remove the door panel and store it.
4) The large padded handle one uses to open/close the door, can that stay attached and left alone? (Basically is it screwed through to the door or only the door panel?)

Really wish is was not cold out.

 

[huffmuds9320]

My dad's 92 Camry had the front passenger window fall down. Same problem as yours hear the window motor but window does not move. The window is operated by a cable spool which snapped. Had to order the whole window regulator since they don't just carry the cable spool.

Check out the link below, it gives a good idea how to remove the door panel. Once you get the panel off you just replace the window regulator. Shouldn't be too hard, probably just a few hours to do. No special tools needed just some screw drivers and patience. The part where you hold on to the door stays on with the panel, screw goes though panel. Electrical connection are plugs so you can unplug and put the whole door panel in your trunk. Good luck.

http://rayrayonline.bravehost.com/frontspeaker1.htm

 

[Donald]

How many hours at a repair shop do yu think this would take? Its cold outside, no garage, and I hate to mess with plastic parts on the door panel when its cold as they snap in cold temps (in addition to my fingers being cold).

 

[huffmuds9320]

I changed it myself which took me about 3 hours since I take my time. Shops most likely will charge 2 hours.

 

[doitmyself]

Here is a link to numerous articles about window motor assembly replacement:

http://www.a1electric.com/installations.htm

Expect to pay about two hours labor ($160) and if you go with dealer OEM window regulator, about $250-$350 for the part.

I replaced the units on 2 different Grand Ams with Taiwan made E-baY units that cost $50 each, delivered. Avoid, DR Autoparts on E-bay....non-existent customer service/warranty back-up.

Maybe you can find a heated garage to work in? Or, a mechanic that will install the cheapie unit.

 

[Donald]

So I did a pretty darn good job with thick clear plastic sheeting and clear (not the gray stuff) duct tape. Its noisy, but no breeze. Can it last till warm weather or will there be a break between now and Dec 31.

 

[mechtech2]

I wouldn't leave any jewelry or iPODs on the front seat when you park with that plastic on the window!

 

[XS650]

It's better to have some torn plastic than a broken window

 

[Quest]

1) Do I any special tools to get door panel off?
2) What about the door opener handle and lock. Does that need to come off first?
3) Are all the electrical connections on a plug so I can totally remove the door panel and store it.
4) The large padded handle one uses to open/close the door, can that stay attached and left alone? (Basically is it screwed through to the door or only the door panel?)

Ans:
1) technically, no, you can use a paint scraper or a dull fat slot type screwdriver wrapped in electrical tape to pop those plastic retainer clips. In reality, if you happen to be able to get one of those door trip tool to pop those plastic retainer clips, so much the better (and expect to get a few broken ones that would require replacing)
2) yes.
3) yes. You still need to undo the panel first.
4) yes, you need to undo the screw from the large padded handle. It's a big fat #2 philips screw.

Lastly, I had my fair share of window regulator failing with my wifey's 93 Camry Vee6: cost me 60 bucks to buy an OE regulator from Toy, took me 1hr to RE and RE (you have to swap the motor out for the replacement regulator doesn't come with motor).

Q.