The electric window on my wife's mini van won't go up. It's a 1999 Mercury villager.?

Question

For a few months, she's had to hold the button up really hard and push it towards the door for the window to work, and now it won't do anything. I thought maybe it's the motor, since we can't hear it make any noise at all, but before I see if I can replace the motor, I wanted to get advice from some mechanics. Do you th ink it is the motor, and if so, is that something an amateur can replace? If you think it's something else, can you also tell me if it is something an amateur can fix? Just trying so save some money! Thanks!

Answer 1

I really doubt it, unless you know a person who works on cars.

Answer 2

One is sold on Ebay, front left motor and gear.
( you have to get the correct one. Right and left are mirror images of each other.

If you push on the window, can you make it move? If it moves when you manually push it up/down, it is probably the motor bushing. These are small cylinders of plastic inside the gear assembly that crumble with age. But you probably should be able to hear the motor spin internally, as if the gears are stripped.
You said you didnt hear that, so maybe it is something else.

The motor rarely goes bad, it is usually the gear box on the motor, but you should hear it spin if the plastic cylinders are damaged. You said you didnt hear that.
May be the wiring or switch, or the window is off its track.

Remove the door cover, this is easier said than done the first time you are doing it. But doesnt require any special tools.
There are several screws to remove, then the door panneling can be carefully pried off, it is held on by clips.

Reach inside the door. It is a very small space to work, you will need a flash light, and you will get cuts and scrapes.
The motor has two wires, with a quick disconnect.
Disconnect the connector. When the window mechanism moves, there are sharp metal bars that move in the door, and can slice off fingers etc.
Get a 12V power source, like a car battery charger/jumper/starter. Connect the motor connector directly to the 12V battery and it should move the window.
Reverse polarity to drive the window the other direction.
If that works, you know it is not the motor/gear assembly.

It may be that the window has come off the track a bit, making it very hard to move the window. The direct connection bypasses a lot of wiring and switchs that add series resistance.
If the window came off the track, you will need professional assistance.

Might be the motor switches.
You can buy the window switches on EBAY. I saw the right door switches for a 98, but keep looking for your 99 ? left.
They appear from time to time, you might have to wait, but can be rewarded with a low cost replacement.

I have not changed this particular door motor, but probably the same as others. Generally the motor is held in by 3 screws, you will need a small socket set. The problem is that the sheet metal on the door, is usually in the way, preventing you from removing the motor. You have to use your hands and feel the screws, and drill large holes in the sheet metal, so you can insert a a small socket driver, and remove the motor. Often the sheet metal has dimples, or some mark, already identifying the location that should be drilled to view the motor screws. It really helps to see an example motor to help orient yourself, and to locate the correct screws to remove.


If you hear the motor slip, and the window feels like it is properly in the track, then buy the motor below, about $75.
Only $50 ( $25 rebate) if you return the old motor, for a core refund.

Or,
Click the second link below, and ask the seller about your vehicle. You may be able to repair the motor gear assembly for $4. I didnt see the Villager on the list, but it may be available.
I have asked the seller, if they stock parts for your vehicle.

Ask about the response at alexhollander @ netzero .net

Austin Semiconductor

Answer 3

try taking interior door panel off and visually looking at the cable
it might be broken
if you have the patience and the right tools you can replace the motor yourself
Good Luck