Body / Glass: Avanti Window Regulator problems - how to fix? (Was: Gene)

[Gene Latham]

My Avanti has power windows the drivers side is stuck in up position like motor over compensated and all arms e.t.c. Are rigid. Also regulator spring is laying in door bottom. Need ideas to loosen so window so window will drop.
thanks
Gene

[StudeRich]

Welcome to the SDC and to the SDC Forum Gene.

A more to the point Post Title would make it possible later for others to locate this post to hopefully solve the Avanti Window Regulator problems.

The Title is reached from the "Go Advanced" button, when logged in.

[showbizkid]

Hi Gene,

I've altered the title of your thread and placed it in the Tech Talk board. Welcome to the Forum and good luck with your Avanti!

[64V-K7]

You'll have to pull the door panel and see if the motor tries to reverse when you hit the switch. If it doesn't, remove the motor from the regulator and try to coax the window down by hand. The tension in that large spring loosens as the window goes up. Even at full up, it should still have a little tension, so the moon gear on your regulator must have really over stepped the drive gear somewhat. Trying to force it electrically, will only damage the motor.

[WCP]

With the door panel off, reach in through the large opening, forward to the motor. Between the motor and regulator you will feel a small cylindrical "rubber feeling" coupler that couples the motor to the drive mechanism. Rotate this coupler with your fingers in whatever direction it will rotate. This should loosen the tension and lower the window. One direction up, and the other down. It will take several turns to move the window significantly.

[jrlemke]

Watch your fingers, if the counterbalance is laying in the bottom of the door! The window could drop suddenly and that would HURT if your hand is in the way! If the above suggestions don't work, unbolt the motor from the door and lower the whole works so you can disconnect the arms from the window itself. I'm not sure how the Avanti windows are built, but they should be similar to other makes of the same era. I repeat, WATCH YOUR FINGERS!- Jim

[WCP]

If you'r concerned about the window dropping, put a block of wood in the door at the rear of the opening to stop the window at the level of the top of the opening. This could also avoid the possibility of breaking the inner panel fibreglass at the lower window stops. Good luck.

[Gene Latham]

Thanks men when I get home will give it a whirl appreciate your help
gene

[Gene Latham]

Hi Clark
you said you fixed my post, can you tell me what I need to do to improve them?
also what is best method to post new ones?
Gene Latham
Gretna NE

[Gene Latham]

Hi 64V-K7
thanks for the advice tried to rotate the shaft coupler with another lifting the window to take the pressure off and couldn't budge it either way. I can here the motor click when switch is activated but no hum as in trying to move, so wonder if because the spring is out the motor is shot.
i can't see an easy way to get the motor out, and info in manual on how to remove can you help.

[64V-K7]

You have R-4054, so with the door panel removed the motor itself should be visible. Note the motor has an intermediate bracket between it and the regulator. The motor is attached to that intermediate bracket vertically, with just 2 long screws. Once the screws are backed out, the motor and armature section to drop out of the cylindrical plastic coupler. The wiring on these motors is heavy, probably #10. Each motor uses 4 wires, black, white, red & green. There are disconnects in the door.

You can try the motor again, once clear of the window mechanism to see if there's any action. Sometimes the regulator bracket grease gets caked with age and prevents the motor from turning. To remove the window, the frame/regulator has to be full down. If you cannot turn the plastic coupler without the motor present, then the regulator teeth and drive gears are probably over rotated, jammed and will have to be removed but unbolting the regulator from the door panel the arms from the window frame. It's doable but can be tedious if you've never been there, especially when you can't see where your fingers are all the time. Just remember the window is heavy and can cause some hurt if not contained.
I suggest you remove the entire window assembly, clean and and refurbish it...

[WCP]

Gene, did you try pushing down on the window while attempting to turn the motor coupler, since the window is in the closed position possibly jamming the worm mechanism. Also can you clarify as to which spring is lying in the bottom of the door. There is a spring on the idler/lift mechanism and a larger one on the regulator assembly.

[WCP]

My bad! Forgot that the power window setup only uses one spring, that on the regulator, although when the main spring weakens over time, it sure could use a second spring on the idler mechanism.
If that main spring is missing, then block the window in its up position with a clamp or wedge at the window rear edge. Disconnect the motor electrical connectors in side the door and then remove the 4 capscrews fastening the regulator mechanism to the door inner panel. Try rotating or folding the regulator mechanism toward the rear and into view in the panel opening.
If this is successful, then pull the 2 clips from the rollers on the window lift channel, and pop the 2 lift arms free of the window. The remove the 3 capscrews releasing the centre pivot and the 2 capscrews from the idler slide. Then fold this system forward toward the regulator, and manoeuvre the complete assembly into a position to pass thru the panel opening.
I'm basing these instructions on my memory, as I don't have a door apart at this time. Others may chime in with further hints. If that main spring was in the bottom of the door, the spring must be broken at the centre. Otherwise, I can't imagine how that would happen. A picture of the spring would help verify that.

[bezhawk]

Yes, the electric regulators use the large coil assist spring at the main larger drive gear. Manual regulators use the assist spring at the sissors pivot. Add a NEW SECOND SPRING in this location to power window regulators, and you will no longer have slow unresponsive windows. Also make sure the main arm is not bent and flexing. You may have to straighten, and weld strengthening reinforcements to it so it does not flex.