Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Power Window Motor/Regulator
From:Jeff Gilbert
Date:Thu, 30 Sep 1999 15:26:06 -0700

Hi Volks,

Well, in the last six months I've had to replace 3 of my 4 power door lock
motors, and know I'm on to the second power window motor.  The fun never
ceases, but I am getting good at removing/installing door panels.

To the question..  My passenger side power window started slowing down
considerably, then started making some loud, pathetic, attention drawing
noises, until finally it pretty much stopped moving all together.  I
disconnected the motor from the regulator and it had no spin to it what so
ever.

Figuring I had nothing to lose, I dismantled the motor and poked around,
cleaned it up, etc.  Reconnected it and WHIIIIIRRR!  it spun like a champ..
Damn was I proud.  However, upon reconnecting it to the regulator, it
seemed to loose power.  Barely able to lift/drop the window without
physical help.

From what I can see, the regulator looks fine, but I wonder why the motor
seems so strong unattached, then so whimpy when attached.

I also noticed that if I tighten the screws on the motor to a normal
degree, it looses power.  Loosen the screws and the power comes back.

Does anyone have any experience with these damn motors?  Sound like mines
shot completely?  With all the other crap I'm dealing with this van, I
really don't want have to spend 175 on a motor.  But the AC is kaputz as
well, so if it ever starts running again, Ill need the window to work.

I'm not willing to trash the power all together and go with a hand crank.

Thanks in Advance!!

Jeff

87 Syncro