So lately my window has stopped working when going up. It has happened randomly but has become more frequent. Ive search throughout the site and came to the conclusion its the window motor.

I called a few shops to get an estimate on the repair (I know doing it myself is the cheapest option, but Ive never done it before and would like it done right lol) The first shop gave an estimate of $420 and said because the window motor and regulator come as a whole. They would install an AC Delco unit saying that any aftermarket motor can tear apart the bolts and break the fiberglass door frame.

The other shop quoted $200 parts and labor for the aftermarket window motor. Does the window motor and regulator come as a whole? Also has anyone had any problems with an aftermarket window motor and what would be a reasonable price for the repair?? Thanks for the advice in advance!

 

the motor definitely comes seperate. you don't need to buy a whole new regulator assembly. it's really not that hard to do yourself. does the motor work at all. it's very common for them to go up a little then stop and after you wait a while it'll go up a little more. there's even a fix for that. you could spend 200 to have it done somewhere or spend less than 50 to do it yourself. if everything is tight, you couldn't have done it wrong.

Courtesy of Shoebox
http://shbox.com/page/windowmotor.html

 

The motor barley works. At times it will go up and down without a problem. But when it stops working, I have to hit the door panel or grab the window and pull up manually to ease the weight and it will start going up again.

 

Hell for $200 bucks I'd do it for you... too bad you aren't around here...

I just did both sides, and grabbed them from ebay.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Dorman-742-10...#ht_8094wt_905

They work great, and I simply followed the how to on this site. The first side will take you an hour, just cause you're new... the second side I did in about 30 minutes.

 

It takes me longer to get the door panel and switches off than to change the motor.

 

browenb thanks for the offer

The install doesnt look to be that hard. Im glad we can all count on Shoebox for the step by step instructions. As to my other question though, has anyone seen any problems from using an aftermarket window motor?

 

My advice is get one locally from a parts store w/lifetime warranty. I had a bad experience with motors from ebay. Bought one for me and one for a friend - both were noisey.

 

Window motors from the local parts stores are only around $60 for a new one w/ lifetime warrenty, or $45 for a reman that comes with a lifetime warrenty.

 

Just buy a parts house motor. I bought one from Advance and it seems to be a much higher quality unit than the last one I bought from Autozone. I thought the Autozone motor was returned (kind of dirty, you could tell it was a rough core to begin with), I even tried to swap it with a different one but they did not have any more in stock. Also, do not use your original screws, use the ones that come with the kit as they are larger. I have heard they keep the motor from deflecting over time thus extending its life but who knows. To do this you will have to bore the holes in the regulator a TINY amount.

Charlie

 

Ok, thank you for all your guys help and advice. Next day off work Ill take the door panel off and see what I can do!