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.

MrScovndrel · July 28, 2024

Sir, I commend you (I hope you still see this 4 years later). I don't usually create an account to reply to stuff, but this is exceptional.

My rear slider broke about a month after I got my brand new 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD, and the dealer replaced it under warranty. I remember looking at the invoice which had the before-warranty cost (then zeroed out), and I remember gulping a little. Google search suggests that it would have run me at least $450.

I'm somewhat mechanically inclined so I found the Geniune OE part and ordered it and went looking for tips, and thus found your post. I followed your tips and the install went smoothly, in a very reasonable amount of time.

When the dealer's monkeys originally replaced the regulator in 2013, they failed to replace the plastic trim behind the seat. I found those pieces under the seat. But they also dropped a very nice 18mm impact swivel socket back there so I called it even. Eventually I gave up on the trium pieces and tossed them in the trash, because it was a minor cosmetic thing and I found I didn't care. As a result, I only had to remove the smaller seat on the passenger side, after removing the two 10mm bolts attaching it to the big seat, to expose the regulator. The dealer's monkeys had cut the insulator panel and folded it down to expose the regulator, so I didn't have to take that piece off either. So I guess their sloppy work saved me some time and effort today.

Anyway, my rear slider is now put back together and working proeprly, and I sprayed a bunch of silicone lube in the tracks and on the cable, to reduce tension and hopefully avoid a repeat.