Expert: Ben Menard - 3/1/2011

Question
We have a 1986 Crown Vic 2 door with the 5.0 fuel injected V-8. That this is a 2-door severely limits parts availability.  The driver's side window motor turns nicely but the regulator and window don't move at all. Do you know how to safely remove the regulator without the spring uncoiling? My expectation is that the drive gear or whatever on the motor has stripped or rounded off.

Answer
Hello Jim,

I suspect that the metal drive gear on the motor is okay.  What has probably failed are the three plastic "gear cushions" or "gear inserts" that rest between the motor's planetary gear and the metal drive gear that moves the window regulator.  You can purchase a new gear assembly for the motor at most auto parts stores.  (Dorman part number 74412 I think - have them check to be sure.)

You do not need to remove the entire regulator to service this motor.  If you look closely at the motor you will see three brass colored 5/16" bolts which hold the motor on the regulator.  The bolts form a triangle about 2 to 2 1/2" on all three sides.  The bolts are probably obscured by the sheet metal of the door, but you can use a small hole saw to make access holes that make it possible to remove the bolts.  Once the bolts are loose you can remove the motor through the speaker opening in the door.

Feel free to send a follow up question if you need additional information.

Ben ... the power window guy