SPONSORED LINKS

2003 Oldsmobile Alero 2003 Oldsmobile Alero Front Passenger

Tiny
VEGEGIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
Electrical problem
2003 Oldsmobile Alero 4 cyl Automatic 104000 miles

My 2003 Oldsmobile Alero's front passenger window will not go up or down using either the main window switch on the driver's door or the switch on the actual passenger door. All of the other windows work. They are power windows. My husband was using it around the time when it stopped working and he said he could hear a noise coming from the door like it was trying to go down but nothing happened. After a few tries, the door stopped making the noise all together and now all that you can hear when you lean your head against the door is a clicking sound when the window is tried. I am not sure if the problem is eletrical, the motor or the window regulator. Please help! If you can tell me what you think has failed in the window, that would be very much appreciated!
SPONSORED LINKS
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 AT 11:49 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

To better assist you is your model the GL, GLS, or GX? Also what is your engine size in liter?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 AT 3:34 PM
Tiny
VEGEGIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The car I believe is a Alero GL with a 2.2L engine. I cannot wait to hear your conclusions!
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

Thanks for the information.

It is most likely the window regulator that is bad. Some models have a cable and some a plastic chain type. Most likely the cable is either in a bind due to being frayed or broken and wrapped at the motor.

You will have to remove the door panel to verify. It normally comes as a complete assembly as you change the motor at the same time which is the best way.

If you remove the panel and you can't see that the cable is bad anywhere, then disconnect the plug to the motor and put 12v on one side of the motor plug and ground the other. . ..swap to move the motor in the opposite direction. This will also verify if the motor is bad.

Make sure you brace the window up while working on it so it doesn't fall and shatter. Be careful if you have never changed them before as there isn't much room but you can get cut pretty easy.

It looks like Auto Zone may have the part for about $144. . .. . .. . .. . .. . ..

Before removing the door panel I would suggest going to the parts deparment and purchasing all of the plastic fasteners (I call them Christmas trees) that hold the panel to the door as these seem to snap most of the time. I have a pic of what they look like below.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_1392_3.jpg


Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 AT 5:17 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

Oh, one other thing. . .. . .. . .. Also, it looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Alero_Recalls_1.jpg


Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
VEGEGIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you so very much! I will try to get the door open tomorrow (this weekend at the latest) and I will let you know how it goes. I really appreciate the help! Those white "Christmas Tree" plastic fasteners- are they a standard type fastener or are they specific for the type of car? If I go to a parts store, will they know what I am talking about or do I need to go to a dealer to get them? Thank you so very much. I will definitely be using this website again. I will keep you updated!
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

To save yourself time and headache I would go to the dealer. They can give you the exact number you need and the one for the car. It seems like there are a gazillion different types and sizes - and everyone I pull apart I don't have those here....... Sometimes the parts store has close... But again... To be sure and cut down on the headache I would go to the dealer parts.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 AT 6:30 PM
Tiny
VEGEGIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you very much! It was just as you had predicted. The regulator had gotten a bind and it burned out the motor. The whole regulator/motor was replaced and now the window is working perfectly! Thank you for all of your help. I will be using this site again!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, October 4th, 2009 AT 11:19 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello -

That is fantastic....... Glad you got it fixed....... If you didn't use all of those plastic clips you could probably return them.

We don't want your vehicle to brake... But look forward to hearing from you and your friends in the future.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, October 5th, 2009 AT 7:44 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Door Switch Content

VIEW MORE

Sponsored links