windows work intermitently

Asked by stoneyst1 May 08, 2012 at 06:51 PM about the Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

power windows on a 1996 cutlass ciera stop working every once in a while. after it sets they work again. what is wrong?

1 Answer

40

Passenger side window would not operate up or down. After removing inner door panel (best to use trim removal pry bars to lessen risk of damaging the many plastic finned plug-snaps), circuitry to switches and then motor itself tested fine----therefore we have a a faulty motor. If you do not plan to disconnect he car's battery (I did not as I needed power to the switch circuit for testing.), you must disconnect the plugs on each of the two seat belt retractor assemblies. These solenoids are ON when the door is open and become hot enough to burn your little self....as well as drain your battery!! To replace the window motor, two rivets on the motor assembly must be drilled out along with the two rivets on the drive belt track. The two lower sash bolts that hold the window itself must be loosened enough (not removed) to be able to slip the heavy nylon plate down that is attached to the belt track This will allow the entire motor/belt track mechanism to be maneuvered enough to drill out the three rivets which hold the window motor to the belt drive "transmission." All removed rivets are replaced with nuts and bolts provided with the replacement motor. The re-attachment of the window motor to the drive assembly is accomplished between the door skins...as I'm not even certain the entire motor/drive/belt track can be removed in one piece through the limited openings in the inner door skin. Yes, the water protector sheet between the inner door panel and the inner metal door skin will have to be cut (and then later taped) to gain access to the window motor/drive assembly. When re-assembling, make certain the heavy nylon plate attached to the belt track is in the correct alignment with the lower sash bolts BEFORE bolting the motor assembly into place. (No need to explain why the word "before" is capitalized, right? lol....) When re-installing the inner door panel make certain the top lip hangs over the inner window frame--so it's somewhat snug with the window, then work from the top--> down to re-insert the finned plastic plugs into the holes on the inner door skin. Don't forget to slide in the door lock rod and the handle through the door panel slots as you work your way down. About a half-dozen screws that were previously removed are then re-installed. This project took me several hours....as I had to sort through each removal process blindly....and I do all of the repairs and maintenance on the family's 5 vehicles---two of which are vintage cruise night show cars. As far as power window motor replacements are concerned, this is by FAR the most difficult ever!! I had to laugh at some of the YouTube videos showing power window replacements on other vehicles---taking less than an hour at most!! Hah----not on this '96 Olds Ciera!!

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