Expert: Ben Menard - 12/30/2008

Question
The driver's side window has come out of the lifting channel located at the bottom of the window.  I have removed the door panel.  The regulator and all moving parts appear to be OK.  I set the glass back into the lifting channel and raised the window all the way up with no problem, mainly so I can continue to drive it to work.  When lowering the window, the regulator moves fine, but the glass came back out of the lifting channel.  Is it held in with adhesive or just a friction fit with a rubber gasket?  If I need new rubber gasket, where do i get it?  Any installation advice?  Thanks.

Answer
I don't encounter this problem on this vehicle very often, so I'm not 100% sure whether the lifting channel is friction fit or not.  So, I am going to give you more than one solution that should work.

1.  Check with your local Chrysler dealer to see if they sell the lifting channel and/ or the filler strip as a separate part.  They probably don't but it might be worth a telephone call.

2.  Get a used piece of glass with the lifting channel in tact from your local salvage yard.

3.  Call a local glass shop to get a new piece of filler tape if they are willing to sell it to you at a reasonable price.

4.  Glue the old channel to the bottom of the window using a two part epoxy that is compatible with metal and glass.  You will probably have to clean the channel and the glass pretty well before reinstalling the channel.  You may also need to crimp the channel to make it fit the glass more securely.  

I have used all four of these approaches when re-installing loose glass lifting channels.  Your choice will most likely be determined by what's available and the reasonableness of the cost.

If you chose option 1, 3, or 4 I recommend removing the glass from the door to re-install the lift channel.

If you have any questions about specific "how to" on any of these approaches, just send back a request for clarification.

Good Luck, Ben .... the power window guy.