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4.3LXJ
06-30-2013, 08:05 PM
Ok, it is hot and the window won't go down, or it is cold and it won't go up. Those power windows are nice except when they won't work. So here is how to fix them.

The first thing to do is pull the door panel. Start with the door handle.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0432_zpsb022ea18.jpg

There are two phillips head screws underneath. Remove them.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0433_zps13055f26.jpg

Then rotate up to this position and the top will come out.

Next, remove the window switches. There are three screws that hold it in

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0428_zpsa9e7deaa.jpg

It will pull out a little in the front, but not the back. Disconnect the wiring harness plugs from it

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0429_zpsf2d42481.jpg

Next, you will have to disconnect the lock and door latch rods. They may seem hard to get to, but use a small screw driver to pry over the clip on the lock rod. It will rotate and then the rod can drop down and be released

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0430_zps50413d6e.jpg

Repeat with the door latch rod only the rod will come up

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0431_zps94a76833.jpg

Then gently pry up the edge of the panel. It will have nylon fasteners that will pull out. They look like these

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0437_zps91a9c808.jpg

Then raise up the panel and it will come out of the channel on the top and come free and the door will be exposed.
The next thing to do is determine if you are getting power to the motor. reconnect the harness to the switch. Use a test light or meter at the plug for the motor and test the wires from the switch. They should go alternately positive if you operate the switch. If not, you will need to verify the switch is getting power. Examine the wires for breaks and use the test light or meter to check the red wire terminal on the large block for power. If no power and no breaks are visible, check fuses. You may also have to pull the kick panel and check for breaks. They sometimes do occur. If there is power to the switch but not out of it, replace the switch. If there is power from the switch to the motor, but the motor does not work, then the regulator should be replaced. Also if the motor operates, but the window vibrates and won't move, the regulator should be replaced. If you cannot find a good regulator, and that may happen since the driver side gets the most use, then use the following previous and following procedure to pull a good rear window regulator. They use the same motor. You can unbolt the 84-86 regulator or drill the rivets on the 87-96 regulator motor and use it on the old mechanism.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0427_zpscc5e6584.jpg

They look like this on the inside

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0447_zps1c111605.jpg

Now how to remove the whole thing. They are riveted in with 1/4" pop rivets. You will have to drill them out with a 1/4" drill. You may run into rivets that have the stud sticking out. You will need to drill small pilot holes and then drill down the pilot to the rest of the rivet

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0439_zps704e450c.jpg

Here is a view of all rivets removed accept one. The regulator is still inside. You can see the motor at the right of the pic.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0441_zps6ee67419.jpg

4.3LXJ
06-30-2013, 08:18 PM
Now it i time to remove the regulator. But the window is still attached. If the window is down, then that is fine. There is a large thin nut that holds the window to the regulator. It must be removed to free it from the glass

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0442_zps88b5e296.jpg

But if the window is up, good luck, you will not be able to do it unless you have extra joints and X-ray vision. To get to it, rotate the regulator counter clockwise and guide the end of it out the large part of the opening in the door

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0443_zps691cd46f.jpg

You will notice that the glass has been freed in this pic and was easily accessible.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0444_zps4e013da7.jpg

Continue rotating the regulator and it will unscrew itself out the door panel

Either replace the motor or insert your new regulator the same way you got the original out. Take car to make sure the control rods go in close and above the motor before you attach them. Since you now have a regulator that operates, you can hook up the wires an use the switch to run the window attachment to the down position. It helps if you can secure the window in the up position with a clamp or a buddy.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0446_zps81836717.jpg

Since 1/4" rivet guns are very expensive, use 1/4X1/2" button head bolts with nylock nuts to secure the new regulator in place. If you have removed all rivets you will need 11 total.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/Repair%20Stuff/IMG_0449_zps64f79e18.jpg

Renistall the panel and handle and you are done.

jdougn
07-02-2013, 08:58 AM
Nice write up! Gotta love the thick red dust inside the door panel of the first XJ. I bet it's seen some hard miles.

4.3LXJ
07-02-2013, 10:26 AM
Nice write up! Gotta love the thick red dust inside the door panel of the first XJ. I bet it's seen some hard miles.

LOL Just the typical red dust around the mountains here. I am surprised I don't have any in my door

XJ Wheeler
07-02-2013, 08:26 PM
Great how-to. I've done some of that before but its better knowing the "right" way. :D

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

Brasscatz
07-03-2013, 08:41 PM
Window motors are one thing I've never been brave enough to try.... thanks for the how-to Steve!