Power window would bind up and the window wouldn't work afterwards

The motor sounds like it has failed. Replace the window/regulator assembly.

When it does not work, the jolt is what brings the motor back on line.

Roy

You should test the motor first. It used to work previously because the carbons were still able to work after some jolting/vibrations.

If the motor does not respond when grounding the wire as you mentioned, you know the motor is bad. However if it starts to work, use the switch again and retest. If it stops working or continues to work, it is good for now but the motor is due for replacement. It is going to fail anytime.

Motor can be replaced separately for factory regulators but for after market the design might be different it is best to get the complete assy.

Actually there should be 3 rivets for the factory regulator and if you are replacing the motor itself, you need to drill out the rivets.

The picture is for the motor and that is attached to the regulator by 3 rivets.

The 4 rivets is for the regulator assy, which you need to drill out to get the assy off the door before you can replace the window motor.

Removal (Sedan - Front)

1. Remove door trim panel.

2. Remove water deflector.

3. Remove rivets using 1/4" drill bit.

4. Remove regulator by disengaging regulator arm from sash channel.

5. Remove electrical connector to motor and remove regulator through door inner access hole.

Not on a Pontiac for me but other makes are similar except some don't have any springs. The spring would tend to cause the regulator gear to overshoot and prior to taking the motor out, hold the scissor of the regulator in place by means of strings etc would prevent it from overshooting. Marking the springs direction would help in the event the regulator manages to run free.

WINDOW REGULATOR MOTOR

Removal (Front)
CAUTION:
Steps 2) and 3) must be performed once regulator is removed from door. The regulator lift arm is under tension from the counterbalance spring and can cause personal injury if the motor is removed without locking the sector gear in position.

1. Remove window regulator. See WINDOW REGULATOR.

2. Drill hole through regulator sector gear and backplate. Do not drill hole closer than
1/2" (13 mm) to edge of sector gear or backplate.

3. Install bolt and nut to lock sector gear in position.

4. Drill out ends of three rivets using 1/4" drill bit.

5. Remove motor and remaining portions of rivets. See Fig. 30.

Installation

1. Install new motor to backplate. See Fig. 30.

2. Install rivet to motor at bottom location using ball peen hammer.

3. Clamp motor to backplate using locking pliers.

4. Remove bolt and nut securing sector gear.

5. Supply power to regulator to gain access for remaining two motor rivets.

6. Install two rivets.

7. Remove locking pliers.

8. Install window regulator. See WINDOW REGULATOR.

WINDOW REGULATOR.

Installation

1. Install regulator through access hole and attach regulator arm to sash channel.

2. Install electrical connector to motor.

3. Install rivets using 1/4" x 1/2" Peel-type rivets.

4. Install water deflector.

5. Install door trim panel.

Yes, procedure is from our database courtesy of GM. Try the smallest size avalable, it should be sufficnet to hold the arm.

Yes, that is the gear. I have drawn 2 red circles in the diagram. Any of these point should be good to hold the gear in position.
The idea is to prevent the arms from moving to release the spring.

Sorry for the delay in replying. Our notification system went bonkers and has since been restored.

Glad to know you have resolved the problem.

The information from our database indicates that you can check the transmission fluid level via a dipstick. I could not find the location nora any diagrams but if you look around the side of transmission, you should be able to locate it.

If the gas is stale, you ought to have it replaced. Check the fuel pressure. If the fuel pump hose was not installed correctly during installation, it could result in pressure loss and difficult starting.