Whats the procedure for replacing a 2001 Buick Lesabre window regulator on the right rear passenger side power window?

Answer 1

Tools required

10 mm socket and 3" extension

#2 Phillips screwdriver

putty knife

wire cutter

door panel removal tool - available from any auto parts store

straight blade screwdriver

Estimated time to replace 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Cost of new actuator AND motor - $50 on eBay - 11/07

This procedure assumes a new unit will be installed.

1 - remove trim piece from around the door handle by prying it out along the top and front edges. Once loosened, it comes unhinged from the back edge.

2 - remove the Phillips head screw from metal bracket, that is revealed after removing the trim piece

3 - pry the inside light assembly from the door panel and remove the bulb socket from the housing

4 - pry the door panel from the frame using a panel removal tool by starting at the bottom (this GM design is greatly improved from the old assembly system - ie: 94 Chevy Caprice) and releasing the 7 plastic studs from the frame.

5 - Remove the 2 mounting bolts for the rear door controller and disconnect the cables.

6 - use a putty knife and door removal tool to remove the plastic vapor barrier.

7 - reach inside the door and locate the cable that is attached to the bottom of the lift mechanism and then cut it.

8 - push the window class to the full UP position (this will locate it horizontally and vertically) and tape it in place.

9 - near the top of the sheet metal there will be 2 openings (1 square and 1 round). When the glass is in the full up position, there will be (2) 10 mm bolts in view. Loosen these bolts which will open the rubber coated clamps on the bottom of the glass. The lift mechanism will free fall to the bottom position when these bolts are loose.

10 - remove the window lift motor plug and (3) 10 mm nuts that hold the lift mechanism in place and remove through the opening at the front of the inner door sheet metal. It will take a little bit of turning and twisting to remove the unit.

11 - loosen (do not remove) the 2 bolts for the window clamps on the new unit before installing.

12 - make sure the new unit is not in the full up position before installing.

13 - install the new lift mechanism in the door and tighten the (3) 10 mm mounting nuts.

14 - connect the power plug into the new lift motor

15 - temporarily connect the rear door controller, turn on the ignition and slowly raise the new lift mechanism using the window up switch on the driver's door.

16 - when the lift is in the full up position, tighten the window glass clamps using the same access holes as when you removed the glass clamps.

17 - slowly cycle the window down and up to make sure it doesn't bind

18 - disconnect the read door controller and reverse the process for assembly

19 - make sure the rear door light socket and bulb are not trapped behind the plastic.

A PDF document with pictures is available by sending a request to basura@elp.rr.com - include "Buick Window Pictures" in the subject line.

___Edited 11/01/09____

Step 4 Improvement.

After an hour of online research and three phone calls to different mechanics we came to the conclusion that the GMC "J" tool is worthless and a waste of $10. It is suppose to help remove the push bolts that attach the side panel however with a flat head screwdriver and some brute force you can pull the door panel loose from the door. Start in the bottom right corner slide the screwdriver along until you find the first of 7 plastic bolts once located place one hand on each side of the bolt and pull and it will snap off, do same with the other 7 and lift the panel upward to expose the interior of the door.

___Edited 04/09/11____

Step 17 Improvement

One cause of binding is the cable not winding properly around the drum. To see whether that is the case, you may need to remove the lift mechanism, connect the power plug, carefully hold it (for instance by the motor), and cycle it. The problem can be fixed by slightly bending the end of the rail and/or the spring that is misfeeding the cable to the drum.