Can't get the *#+&% inner door panel off!!

wfo74 · March 16, 2003

I did the search thing; couldn't find any posts. My '93 GMC (3500 dually, but I am sure it is the same as the regular full-size) power window (drivers door) has defeated me!! A few days ago I ran the window up; when it got to the top it make a clicking noise and has never worked again. Motor does not run, but has power and in fact the motor gets warm when I apply power. Also the voltmeter (in the dash) moves a bit when I push the button; so I am pretty sure the problem is in the motor itself.

I have the door panel off; no problem. I have the switches off; no problem. The inner panel has defeated me!! The rods that run to the door latch seem to have been put on by Lucifer himself. I don't have a clue!! I tried to unbolt the latch mechanism from the door - no help.

I must be missing something; can anyone please walk me through the process? Right now I have the drivers window half open; and it's gonna rain tomorrow!

Thanks in advance!

wfo74 · March 17, 2003

Bump

Cyclic · March 18, 2003

You might hate this but here's what you have to do.............

The entire pannel comes off by drilling the rivets on the outer flange. When your done with repairs you use some screws or steel pop rivets to put it back on. Have fun.

wfo74 · March 18, 2003

Thanks Cyclic; but that must be a different year.

This panel is held on with screws. Today I gave up and took it in to a glass shop; he showed me how to disconnect the rods by prying up and removing the Lucifer clips. Wow; I couldn't see how they removed by looking; it took a demonstration.

Now I have gotten to the window motor (It does indeed seem to be riveted on) and seems I will need to replace the motor itself. It has a skip in the gear, as if a tooth or two is missing.

Is there a limit switch build into the mechanism? I can't find one that I can see.

Thanks

Shaners · March 18, 2003

I don't know if there is a limit switch or not, but I would say that the motor shuts off when it meets a certain number of "inch lbs" of resistance. I say this because of the number of times mine has frozen shut this winter. There must be a resistor somewhere that shuts the motor down when it stops the window from sliding. But that is just a guess.

Cyclic · March 19, 2003

Well then about the rivets, you lucked out, if the door had never been apart then you would have found them. But seems someone had already been in there.

Any way don't go cheap, replace the whole motor assembly and you won't have to go back in there again. While inside the door lube everything up good. Make sure the lower door drain holes are clear. You know things like that make it less likely you will have to get back into the door later.

Take it easy and enjoy the truck.