Window Regulator Diagnostics and Replacement

[Barney]

Three of four windows in my '94 Grand Marquis don't work (only the driver side front does). In some cases pressing the switch doesn't do anything (no motors moving, etc..); sometimes I can hear the window start to move a little.

I assume the lack of any movement or noise means the motor is shot. If there is some movement is it possible the motor is good but the regulator is shot? Is it best just to replace the entire assembly?

I bought the Haynes manual for the car but it is useless at leats in terms of replacing the motor / regulator. Where's a good source for a shop manual (preferably CD)? I found a bunch of youtube videos on changing the regulator/motor on various cars, but not the Grand marquis. Does anyone know if such a video exists (they're very helpful).

Thanks in advance for any help.

[mcninetyone]

I've repaired the windows on several cars, and my first guess is that your motors have a problem. Probably the plastic
bushings Ford put in those things. But it could be the regulators too, it really needs to be looked at. Whether it's the motor or the regulator this is an extremely easy job to do, and you shouldn't be worried. I don't know of any video that goes through this step by step. But I'm pretty sure I could talk you through it well enough!

If you can't find the answer you need,
feel free to PM me if you want.

[sly]

take the motors out. They could just be jammed up with the nylon bushings that crumble to nothingness. Clean all the crap out of the gear area and put in new grease and some 7/16 ball bearings (easier than the 2 "1/4-20" nuts stacked in each spot) if they do work after pulling the plastic gear out. Otherwise, yeah... time to replace the motors. If you pull stuff apart and notice cables are loose inside the door, you'll need to replace the regulator. I've already been through 4 regulators on my 93 (two on each of the front doors).

[GM_Guy]

For the windows that you hear motor action on, it may very well be the regulator (a belt) that has gone. Seems to be a common failure part for the "new" cars.

[stmg2000]

Removing the front passenger window motor

I saw your post re: replacing the window regulator, and I wonder if you know a way to remove just the motor without drilling out the rivets that hold the entire window assembly in the door? The back doors have little dimples that I drilled out and easily accessed the 3 bolts holding the motor to the gear lever for the window, but I don't see such things on the front. Also, it looks like the motor is near the bottom of the door (91 Grand Marq) and it's not easy to get to. Any suggestion you have is greatly appreciated!

[sly]

the dimples are there, they're just near bends and are harder to spot. I went through that with my 88. They're down near the bottom of the door.