Expert: Robert Russell - 11/19/2011

Question
Hi there,

I have an '83 Electra. The window motor's ceased to function. I've gotten the bottom of the door panel to come off quite easily, but this doesn't garner the full access needed so that I can at least prop the window up for winter time. Do you have any tips, tricks, etc.?

Answer
Hello Mike,

The basic construction of a car window is a scissors arrangement where the window glass is mounted to the top of a frame and the bottom of the frame is attached to a toothed half-disk which is what the teeth of the electric window motor mesh with.

To adjust the window height, you must remove which I must assume is a dead motor but you should check this as the window switch is a common culprit also. The easiest way to check is to disconnect the wires to the motor and run them to a 12 volt source, temporarily bypassing the switch. If the motor is indeed bad, you can remove it, being careful to block it's position as there can be spring energy against the window mechanism which can causing it to snap back, causing you injury!  

In any case, once the motor is removed, the window mechanism can be moved and blocked into place. Again, be careful as the window glass can be easily shattered, cutting you.

Good luck,

Bob