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I have a 2005 Saturn Ion with a failed power window motor (front driver's side). The removal procedure requires that the window be lowered, but it's stuck up (closed).

How do I get the power window regulator and glass into the lowered position without the help of the motor? This regulator is a big X shape, not a cable-driven design.

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How accessible is the motor/winder mechanism? Is it possible to get at it to turn the motor manually? e.g. using a pair of pliers to grip the motor shaft and rotate it? – Nick C Jul 3 '11 at 11:54
It's not very accessible. The entire assembly is inside the metal part of the door. I can't see the motor where it's mounted. I have the replacement part and I can't move that mechanism either - it feels as if there's some sort of lock built into the motor. – Jamie W Jul 3 '11 at 16:03
I'm not familiar with that model, but the last power window I did, I seem to recall that we disconnected the motor drive arm first. Then we collapsed the scissors manually, and then were able to do the rest of the procedure. – Brian Knoblauch Jul 28 '11 at 12:24

2 Answers

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This is what the mechanism should look like. enter image description here

You'll have to find a way to get at the three gold screws that hold the motor to the rest of the assembly. This will allow you to disengage the motor, so the rest of the assembly can move freely.

Be careful: once you disengage the motor the window could drop and break. You'll want to get somebody to hold it, or wedge something under the lift arm (inside the door) so it can't move.

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Is the motor in the car? If so that is your lock. If not, can you remove the windows glass from the regulator, meaning just undo the bottom clamps? This would allow you to hold the glass, and pull the regulator with some force. Normally once the motor is out, there should be no reason why you can't actuate the windows by hand.

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