2013 Rear Power Sliding Window Regulator Replacement

AppDawg · August 23, 2020

The cable broke on my 2013 2500HD rear power sliding window that opens/closes the window. My opinions were $450 repair at the dealer or do it myself for the cost of a new regulator for $85 from Amazon. Took me about 3 hrs to complete and learned a few things along the way that I thought I’d pass on for those that want to tackle this project.

1. Have someone help lift the rear seat out and put back in. I was able to do it myself but it was a pain in the ass as it’s difficult to line up the rear seat hooks and floor bolts alone.

2. Do not remove the yellow tab holding the springs down on the regulator until you have the cables completely connected. And do not install the regulator until all cables are connected.

3. To remove the cable from behind the center seat belt guide (not removable), I used the tire iron to insert between the cab wall and the metal guide to remove the old cable and install the new one. Be careful where you pry though as the window frame is plastic and could crack if not careful.

4. Although the GM instruction says to connect the passenger side cable first, I found connecting the drivers side first worked best as it holds the window in place while pulling the passenger side cable to connect it.

5. The cable will seem extremely short but if you keep pulling on it, you’ll eventually be able to slide it into the connection. Having needle nose vice grips and another pair of hands is the key. While one person pulls on the cable, the other person can help guide the cable tip into the window connection. Don’t have your 23 yrs old college graduate daughter help you, it doesn’t end well.

Otherwise, pretty straight forward and really only requires a few tools, 18mm long and short socket, 10 mm wrench/socket, needle nose vice grips, panel removal tool (not necessary as all panels can be removed by hand, but made it easier)

Hope this helps the next person save time and lots of frustration. Sorry didn’t take pictures.