How to Remove the Window Motor in a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire

The power window motor in a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is attached to the door skeleton with a variety of fasteners, including four factory installed rivets. This motor contains a gear drive assembly that attaches to a scissor lift arm, which raises and lowers the window glass. As time passes, the internal components inside the motor can wear out, causing slow window operation and intermittent performance. Replacement power window motors are available from most auto parts stores.

Instructions

1

Lower the window until it is three-quarters of the way down, using the power window switch. Open the door and remove the power door lock switch by gently prying it with a small flat-head screwdriver. Separate the switch from its electrical connector and set it aside. Remove the screw holding the upper trim finish panel -- the triangular panel covering the sideview mirror area -- to the door, then remove the panel.

2

Remove the door trim panel screws from the perimeter of the trim panel. For sedans, remove the screw near the pull handle. For coupes, remove the screw from the armrest. Gently pry around the outer surface of the door panel with a putty knife to separate the door panel from the door. Lift up on the door panel to separate the upper molding from the door flange. Disconnect the speakers electrical connector and set the door panel aside.

3

Peel the plastic water deflector away from the door to access the motor. Remove the two nuts holding the window to the regulator assembly, using a ratchet. Manually lift the window to the closed position and secure it to the door frame with tape so it doesnt fall back down.

4

Unplug the window motors electrical connector and remove the three bolts holding the regulator to the door. Drill out the four factory-installed rivets holding the motor to the door, and remove the motor.

5

Position the new power window motor inside the door and install the window motor bolts. The new window motor will come with additional bolts that take the place of the factory installed rivets. Tighten these bolts to 89-inch pounds, using a torque wrench. Remove the tape holding the window to the door and push the window down so that the window lines up with the regulator lift arm. Install the window to regulator nuts and tighten them 89-inch pounds.

6

Press the plastic water deflector back down against the door. Reconnect the speakers electrical connector to the door panel-mounted speaker. Position the trim panel on the door and press down the top leading edge to mate the upper molding to the door flange. Line up the trip panel retainers with the door skeleton and press down on them until they are fully seated. Tap around the outer edge of the door with a rubber mallet if its too difficult to seat them by hand.

7

Reinstall the door trim panel screws and the door armrest screws. Tighten the panel screws to 18-inch pounds and the armrest screws to 27-inch pounds. Reinstall the power door lock switch and the upper trim panel piece. Reinstall the upper trim panel screw. Verify that the window motor operates properly.