I know someone who says thier power window doesnt work, first im going to check the switch had that happen to my z24 already. My friends is a 2000 cavalier, will any motor work or do i have to get the same one? Do i need to drill the rivets? I have never taken a door apart before any help would be great.
cheers
Nick
The individual motors are all the same. The regulators are different (left, right, front, rear, and convertible). You can replace the motors or the complete regulators (that have the motors attached). Both are commonly available in the aftermarket or eBay, or you can get genuine GM replacement regulators from various internet vendors too. I like the GM units as they tend to be quieter in operation (in my experience), but they're expensive and the quality of aftermarket units varies with some being quite good and others less impressive.
The motors are riveted to the regulators which are riveted to the doors. You'll have to drill out the rivets on the door for the regulator (and the armrest bracket first) in order to get the regulators out. You'll then have to drill out the rivets on the motor if you choose to replace only the motor. Make sure when you buy the motor or regulator, you get the rivets too. Or, you can use small bolts with locking nuts if you prefer. (The rivets need a special riveter to install.) If you change only the motor, make sure you secure the regulator arms to each other before you disassemble the motor from it as there's a powerful clock spring in the regulator that assists the motor in lifting the glass. If you don't do this, the spring will release violently when the motor is pulled out, spoiling your day.
Even though your car isn't a convertible, there's a sticky at the top of the Third Gen forum that's a PDF of the convertible service manual supplement and it has power window regulator replacement information that's generally applicable to the other models, if you don't already have a service manual. Good luck. - Mark