Question

How do I fix my front driver-side car window (manual) from coming off of the track in my 1999 Pontiac Sunfire?

Answer 1

What you’ll have to do is to carefully look for any visible screw heads on the door panel. Using the apropriate screwdriver most probably a philips unless of course the previous owner lost them while he tried to fix it before.Upon removing the screws and remember to turn them to the left to loosen them. Look for any small circular shaped seams in the plastic parts usually associated with the door handle. Gently put a small screw driver into the seam and gently pry off to expose other hidden screws and remove. Often there is a “c” shaped wire clip at the window cranks base. Using pointed pliers, a pick or a crochet hook, pull the clip free. Be careful as it may want to shoot out as the tension is suddenly released. If you have power windows then pry up the switch and pull it up until you see the plastic wire connector beneath and genty pull it apart. if you cant find the connector then it maybe accessable from within the door. You can also snip the wire and splice it back together later. Try to dig your fingers around the edges of the door panel between it and the metal chassis of the door. Firmly pull towards you to pop the plastic clips open. Lift the door panel from the bottom up as the door panel has a lip across the top that must be lifted up to get the panel off.After you have that done you should see a plastic film attached to the door chassis with what looks like black puddy. Gently peel the plastic off and keep for replacement later. Now you will have access to the inward workings of the door. You will probably have 3 or 4 openings in the chassis from which to work. First make a visual inspection with the aid of flashlight if necessary. If it has power windows strip the cut wire ends with a sharp knife (be careful) to expose the inner wires. Twist the wire ends together and keep the 2 wires apart to avoid an electrical short. Then operate the window to see where the problem lies. At this pint you’ll see what keeps the inner window components together. Here you’ll have to rely on your own powers of observation. After moving things around and experimenting a little usually you’ll identify the problem and often you will realise its very simple to correct. If however you cant sort it out then solicit help or place the door panel and parts in the back of the car and drive to an auto glass shop as they are experts and much more experienced than your average Joe mechanic. That experience means less time and a smaller bill. If you do get it corrected all by yourself then reverse the steps to put the door components back together and give yourself a good pat on the back! Sounds like a lot but it really isnt. Heck you could probably do the job in less time than it took me to write this. Ha ha.