Well, on the way home from taking my son sledding I looked out my window and, to my shock, it disappeared into the door. When I first bought my 92 GXE this happened on the passenger front door window, although not as dramatically. Anyway, after owning this car for about four years and frequenting this forum I was able to diagnose the problem as a failed window regulator. I ordered the part from Courtesy Nissan in Texas for $69 (including shipping). I have a local garage who will install it for two hours labor -- $130. I also went to the website link from this forum to the step-by-step instructions to do this installation yourself. I am not mechanically inclined and have never taken apart a car door before. Is this worth trying to do myself? Someone wrote that they could do the complete operation in about 30 minutes. Well, I'm a graphic designer and I could produce a two page newsletter in about 30 minutes, but it may take a mechanic three days. Is this proceedure really that simple? The step-by-step looks pretty tricky to me.

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

thanks,

John

p.s. I tried to do a search for this topic to avoid posting this but the search option is down.

 

it's pretty easy to do.
at least in my opinion.

 

save the $130 and invest in some decent tools and do it yourself

buy a #3 Phillips head screwdriver for sure. If those screws haven't been removed and you use a #2 (standard sized phillips head), you will strip the heads and make it a huge pain.

The procedure really isn't bad. I think you should be able to do it. Just study the how-to a couple more times and give it a shot. If you do get stuck, you could always take it to a mechanic later. One common thing when reinstalling, if it doesn't go up all the way, you may have to realign the regulator/motor assembly or the regulator screws at the top of the door so dont tighten everything all the way until you test it out.
Also, on the screws, put a lot of pressure on the end of the screwdriver so you push on the screw and then turn it. This should help prevent stripping it too. Some of the screws have 10mm heads on them so use a socket whenever possible.
If you happen to be anywhere near Atlanta, I'll do it for you.

 

Wish I lived near Atlanta...

Yes, this is best place to start practice, if one wants dirty hands. Warning: You'll get hooked! If u do not spoil anything, have jubileum, one day off from work. Typically I first brreak smtg, and how happy I am if I get it corrected. Next day start from where I left the thing...
If possible, have someone with u keeping the window up during installation. Its not mandatory, but keeps things simple.

 

I just did this on an 89 and it took 30 minutes with a soda break.

Biggest issue is making sure you know where all the little screws are that remove the door panel to give you access to the interior of the door.

Regulator and motor is childishly simple after that.

 

John, I think part of the 3rd gen experience is learning how to repair minor problems yourself. I guess I have no right to say that considering that I currently have abnormal torque steer that I can't figure out for the life of me. You are a graphic artist? I don't think it matters. I am a molecular biochemist, and a year ago, I didn't know how to change the oil. I am currently well on my way to hacking my car into pieces...

If you are nervous, you can have someone take digital pictures so that you know exactly where everything goes. I used to bring my camera out, but most things on the car is easy to remember... Good luck,

P.S. I'd take Craig's advice very seriously. I too would recommend a #3 phillips head screw driver and put all your weight into the screwdriver when you turn. The shady NYC repair shops stripped screws on three doors of my maxima when my sister brought it to them to get something fixed... Key is, never improvise tools unless you are really good at fixing cars... Or are really good at improvising tools...

 

first job i did myself on my maxima, its easy trust me. anyone can do it with craigs excellent FAQ

 

Thanks for all the input. I'll go over the step-by-step again and give it a shot. I'll post the results when I'm done.

John

 

this has happened to my rear driver side door, to temporarily fix the problem you can take the door panel off and prop a piece of wood under the glass to make it stay up. To repair it you will need to take out the regualtor and all the cables along with it, you can find these pretty cheap on ebay. It is kinda of a b i t c h to install because nissan loves to make things cramped and you have to reach your hands around mysterious metal objects to fix it, it really should take more than an hour and a half. I wish i could help and do it for ya. srry dude

 

guess im lucky (with regulators at least)1st 92 gxe ...no window reg problems 4 four years 2nd 91 se none so far for 8 months

although when the 92 gxe pass front window wasnt working all the time i almost thought it was the regulator

until i pulled the switch cover and discovered if i tapped the switch with a screwdriver whilst pressing the button it would work/not work so i got a new switch $60.00 new
never a problem again