Problem with Driver side window
 

A couple days ago, I went to roll down my driver side window and it just made sorta a pop noise and sounded like it was going down but the window didn't go anywhere. My b/f checked it out and he says its probably off the track since he can push the window up and down by hand. He was going to take the door panel off today and try and fix it. Is there anything special he should know before taking off the door panel? Any tips, tricks? He said it looks pretty straight forward..a couple screws and probably the standard pop rivets or whatever. Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

The door panel comes off easily.

Five Screws:

2 obvious ones near the hinges.
1 under a plastic flap below the handle you pull to open the door from the inside.
2 under the felt strip inside the armrest.

Then pull outwards at the bottom (there's 4 or 5 plastic clips) and lift upwards.

Phil.

do a search for sleeve lock regulator. it's not all that uncommon and a relatively cheap and easy fix.

Well i took the panel off. First of all the window stays up on its own. even if I push the down button...the window stays up. I can push it with my hand up and down. Here is the problem. Took the door panel off. Of course there is really only one place you can get between the two metal panels to access anything. There is a metal wire type thing that is very loose. Also, when I push the button to close the window I saw a white plastic piece attached to the wire go up. I lowered it again, and then the cable came loose, and now when i push the switch to lower or close the window the motor only makes a little noise and nothing really moves.

I took it to a glass shop near here and they looked at it and said it needs a regulator. He says its common with the cable systems. I've had no experience with power windows before. Plus I can't even figure out how to get access to where the regulator and motor would be. What a PITA!

So what can i do to fix this thing on my own. He said he'd call and get a price on the part and then let me know a price by monday. I'd like to fix it ASAP since its very nice out and it sucks pushing the window down with my hand, and then having to pull it out of the door when i get out of the car. Is there a way to get the innermost metal panel off to access anything?

I don't think id trust the guy saying its the regulator. It sounds like the cable and bracket just came off the glass. But i could be wrong.

the whire plastic piece you saw go by is the sleeve lock regulator, a less than $5 part. The wires, if not broken/frayed can be put back on the pulley and there is an adjuster at the motor for tension.

Ok, so is there anyway to get at the mechanical parts easier? Does any of the metal paneling come off?

not that I know of, sorry.

Did you ever replace or fix the window motor or assembly? I guess I'm gonna have to feel it out tomorrow. Any diagrams or anything you can point me towards?

Thanks for all your help.

no sorry, all I've done is the sleeve lock. see this post:

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...threadid=10854

There has been discussion on the forum about the regulator and the cable, you're just gonna have to search until you find it. Someone (don't remember who) even used a bicycle cable to make a repair - probably depends on your mechanical talent.

here's a diagram from SubaruParts.com http://www.subaruparts.com/diag/?mod...category=601-1

it shows the sleeve lock part (which isn't listed on the 92 model page, but I know first hand it works since I've used it on a 92 myself).

SVX Girl,
Check your PM's...

I have a spare drivers window regulator, without the motor, but it sounds like your motor works.

Do you still have those wheels?? Wanna trade?

Oh, I have replaced my regulator. There is no way to remove the metal panel. And I had to remove the glass to get the regulator out of the door....

Sucks...
 

I think I have the same deal with my passenger window. The guy at the body shop that will be fixing it told me that the window motor is essentially designed to fail. With that cable moving up and down so often it has the same effect of rubbing a metal cable on a pane of glass. it cuts right through it. Eventually the cable doesn't wrap around very well anymore because it has dug itself a hole into the motor. I am having mine replaced for $137.

I replaced the wire for the window with a bicycle brake cable ($2.99@ wallyworld) and it has held up for the past 2 years or so.

not sure what your mechanic is saying about the wire digging a hole in the motor, it wraps around a pulley - I didnt see any wear on the pulley.

Either the wire gets frayed and breaks or the sleeve lock breaks is pretty much my experience and what I have read here.

My window cable broke on the passenger's side about 2 years ago and I too replaced it with bicycle brake cables and it still works fine...

It takes a little concentration to figure out how to wind it around the pulley but it works.

Labour intensive but cheap ($$) fix...

Joe 90

My mistake.
 

Yeah, I meant the pulley. I think my problem is different. The wire won't wrap around the pulley correctly because of the wear on it.