How do you replace a broken driver side window on a 1999 Saturn SL1?

Answer 1

I hope the 99 is similar to some of the earlier models otherwise what I'm about to tell you will be inaccurate.

Saturn's were a little different; rather than removing the inside panel to get to the glass, you remove the OUTSIDE door skin.

You'll need to remove the door handle. To do that, lift the handle as though opening the door, then look for the two pins that hold the handle in place. You'll need to remove the plastic pins by pushing them through from the opposite side, then remove the handle and set it aside.

There are a few screws around the perimeter, then the skin comes off. Treat it carefully so it doesn't get scratched or otherwise damaged, but it's fairly durable.

Once you have the door skin off you'll see the window hardware. The new window should include a rail with the mounting points already attached. The worst part is figuring out how to get the new window into the opening; it's a tight fit and you may need to tinker with it for a while, but once it's in place, attach the mounting rail to the operating mechanism and adjust it for horizontal positioning.

Operate the window a few times to make sure it moves freely and you're pretty much done. Vacuum up any broken glass or other debris that has built up over time, then lube the mechanism with either white (lithium) lube or a Teflon based grease and spray a little silicone on any rubber parts, then put the door skin and outside handle back in place.