Questions and Answers

Transport Window Regulator Q. Where can I find a DIY site for fixing a broken manual crank window? The glass is fine, the mechanical part is faulty. 1992 Pontiac Transport Van. Manual Windows. Power locks. Thanks, Marty

A. That's the big problem with the internet as far as finding information on repairing cars. The information is either non-existent or so hard to find it's almost impossible to get to. That's why I decided to create this site so people can find out what they need to know quickly and easily.

Anyway, replacing the manual regulator in that car is not very difficult. The hardest part is getting the door panel off.

Since every door panel has variations, I do them as they come. In general there are two or three screws that go in through the door handle that have to come out. There is usually a trim piece around the door latch that pops off and sometimes a screw is hidden under it. Finding all the screws can be a game of cat and mouse sometimes.

Once you have all the screws out, the window handle is next. There is a clip behind the handle that holds it onto the regulator. There is a special tool for it, but I made a little tool out of a piece of coat hanger. I bend a small hook on one end that will slip between the door and the handle. I grab the clip and just pull it off. I usually cover the area as much as possible with a rag because that clip likes to fly. Once the clip is off, slide the handle off and put the clip back on it. Those little buggers like to get up and walk away if you don't tie them down.

Now take the door panel off. Around the outside of the panel is about 15 or 20 plastic clips. The way to pop them off is to slide a pair of needle nose pliers so the clip is between the jaws but not actually grabbing it. Pop the clip out and keep going around the door until they are all out. You're going to break some and some will pull out of the panel. This is normal. You can get replacements from the dealer and the ones left behind can be popped out and put back in the panel.

Now that the door panel is off you'll see a large piece of plastic. As carefully as you can, peel the plastic away and set it aside. If it tears or gets destroyed, you can make a new one from a plastic garbage bag.

Remove the bolts holding the window to the regulator and prop the window up. Now there are five or six large rivets holding the window regulator in. Those rivets have to be drilled out and then you can remove the regulator. Now if you have a pop rivet tool you can replace the rivets with new ones (ideal) or you can use small nuts and bolts (almost as good.) If you use nuts and bolts be sure the bolt heads don't interfere with the regulator operation. Also some of the places you'll have to put the bolts in are very difficult to reach. Have a few band aids handy because you'll spring a few leaks getting your hands in there.

Reattach the window and pop the handle on and make sure it works before you put the door panel back on. Once you are satisfied all is well, out the panel back on and you're done. I would allow about three hours to do it.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA