zzk3m8 said:
My rear driver side door window seems to be off the track (is there is a track). When i run it down, the window seems to free fall, the mechanism runs and it sounds like the linkage is moving. When i try to put it up, the window doesn't move, however the mechanism does. How do i get the door panels off? is there only one panel?
Thank You.
zzk3m8
Is it making different noise than when it was working normally. If not the carrier has probably just come loose from the glass. It's a simple fix. Removing the door panel is the hard part. The carrier clamps to the bottom of the glass with 2 bolts.
If you hear unusual scraping sounds, the cable has gotten messed up and this can be fixed but not easily. If you are not a skilled mechanic, forget it.
As for the door panel, removal is not hard, just has to be done carefully or you will damage locating pins, wiring etc. Use a Flat pry bar and insert at the lower panel edge. You will probably have to insert a putty knife or similar object first to get the pry bar in. Pull straight away from the panel. If it comes out more than a half inch without hearing a popping release, move the bar right or left and try agaain. Do this in 3 or 4 places along the bottom then move up the sides being careful not to scratch your paint. When all the edges have released you can pull the panel far enough away from the door (1 or 2 inches) to look for the L shaped spring clips that secure the arm rest to the panel and the door. These are tough to get off as they take all the abuse when you pull the door shut, so are meant to stay put. Sometimes they will slide off their white, plastic anchors if you apply upward pressure to the panel. Most times not, but you might get lucky. If not, wedge the panel away from the door with a small block of wood (I use a rubber door stop), and use a long shank screwdriver to release the tangs on the clips. The tangs are split sections on the long ends of the L, that catch when inserted into a slot in a steel bracket on the panel. When you get both of these clips loose you have the hard part done. Their white plastic anchors are held to the door with a torx screw. If memory serves, these anchors have to be removed in order to get the inner panel off. You can now see the power connector and the wiring harness. If you pulled hard on the panel, this connector probably popped off it's plastic anchor. Usually not a problem. If it did not come off, pull up on it and it will slide off. The 2 halves of the connector have a latch that keeps them together. You shouldn't have to separate these unless you need to get the panel out of the way for some reason. You can gain some clearance by lifting the wires out of their retaining clips. Next, remove the inner panel. The white buttons that fasten the inner panel are removed by pressing the center pin in. Don't pry on them, they beak easily. When you get the fasteners out, push the pin back so it is sticking out of the top of the button about 1/4 inch. When putting them back, insert the button and press the pin down flat.
Now it's just a matter of getting the glass back onto the carrier. If you have help, pull the glass up manually and have your helper hold it by clamping a hand on either side of it and pulling upward. If you have no helper, take your putty knife, or door stop, and wedge it between the glass and the window sill. Just be sure you have it all the way up and squarely in its guides. It should hold long enough to get the carrier up. Press the up window button and watch the carrier movement. Keep your fingers out of the way or you could lose some. If the carrier goes up smoothly, you will see the nuts on the clamps that retain the glass. If it makes a lot of noise and jerky movements, stop and go get a new lift mechanism. GM doesn't sell parts for this assembly, and sometimes it can be fixed but it's no job for a novice. With the carrier up all the way you can only get to one clamp at a time. Tighten one, then lower the window a little until you can see the other one then tighten it. Try the up and down movement several times and if there are no problems you are just about home free. Replacing the panel is the reverse of removal. 2 things to watch:
1: The power connector. If you had to separate it, leave it separated. Hook the door side on its knobs, and make sure the wires are back under their clips. Watch it as you hang the panel over the window sill and the lock button stem. The connector should align and slide into place without any trouble if it is where it belongs. BTW, it is a good idea to remove the lock button before you start this job. Slip a soda straw over the stem to aid in getting the panel over it.
2: The L spring clips. Slide them on the white anchors with the long side up. make sure the clips are entering the slots and with the panel seated on the window sill, use your hand to rap the edges of the panel to lock the retainers onto the door. Job done. Hope this helps. Sorry for wordy post and any typos, I just got a new PC and hate this keyboard.
