Expert: Ben Menard - 8/31/2011

Question
Ben,

My rear passenger window has slipped off the track. The motor still works fine but the window is completely down in the door. I imagine all I need to do is adjust the lift channel.

Could you please instruct me how to get to a position where I can make these adjustments. That is to say, do I just need to remove the door panel? Could you please lay out some steps detailing how to be able to do the repair you explained in the following link:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Auto-Glass-3622/2010/4/2004-Toyota-Highlander-rear.ht

Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Will,

Your problem is most likely caused by the misalignment of the metal lift channel located on the bottom of the door glass.  This is not an uncommon problem on the Highlander rear windows.

Re-aligning the lift channel is not as simple as it sounds.  Often times, the lift channel is completely off the glass and has to be re-installed rather than just re-positioned.  In addition to re-positioning or re-installing the lift channel, the window regulator has to be removed, re-positioned and then re-installed.

This is not a job for someone without a reasonable amount of power window repair experience.  I recommend you find one or more local auto glass shops that are A+ rated by your local BBB and talk to them about the problem to see if they have made this repair before.  Someone who is familiar with the problem should be able to make the repair in an hour or less.


Ben ... the power window guy