Installing a new power window motor??

Question

For a number of years, the front driver's side power window has not worked. In addition, the right rear window has not worked since we bought it. We bought the car from a dealer with 90,000+ miles on it, and they refused to fix it, instead they just disconnected the power to it, and propped it up since it died while partially down. A mechanic once estimated it to be about $300 to fix one window.

My question is...is replacing the motor as hard as it sounds? Obviously it's quite a pain only having 2 operational windows, so I'd like to fix them myself. But when the dealer refuses to fix it, and it would cost $300 to fix, that says something. Anyone know how difficult it is? Any advice to make it easier? Thanks

Answer 1

it depends on the car. on my jetta the motor itself is about 250 dollars. plus actually getting to the motor even after taking the panel off is a pain in the butt. you could try just finding a new door and replacing it with the current door. that may be cheaper or not. i don't know.

Answer 2

what kind of car and what year. Just call a parts store and see how much the part is. Rebuilt ones are generally about 50 dollars. They are not that hard to replace. You will just have to remove the door panel and possible a speaker to gain access. With that removed you should be able to look at it and see if it is within your abilities to change it.

Answer 3

Go to a local salvage yard and try and find one that is the same model and year as you are driving. It is not all that hard, but you do have to remove the door panel and with the one in the back, you'll have to remove the seat bottom at least. Good luck.