Power Window repair pointers?

[johnj92131]

I am about to replace a very slow power window motor with another used one.  Looks like all I need to do is drill out 7 rivets holding the motor and window lift.  Any pointers or tips on which bolt/fastner to use as replacements for the rivets.  Or should I just use rivets again?  That means buying a tool and good size rivets that I will not use for a very, very long time again.

[Strokermjcomanche]

Since you already(?)have a used regulator I would use 1/4 x1/2 bolts with nylon lock nuts so you don't have to but the rivet gun .

 

If you were to get a newer xj (up to 96 but not sure when they started to bolt in )regulator they bolt in so that would solve your problem too . But it would involve making an adapter to plug the newer regulator into the old harness .

[bodukexj]

I've done dozens of these... As stated above, just use 1/4x20 bolts of the appropriate length, and nyloc (aircraft) locknuts, and you'll never have to worry about it again. (P.s. if its a slow motor, check that it has a good ground before replacing it. It may also me misaligned window guides- I usually check that by smearing the guides with vasoline or wd40; roll the window up and down a few times- if it speeds up, its the guides, if not, possibly the motor...)

 

Good luck!!

[johnj92131]

Got the "new" power window lift mechanism back in.  Tested the motor before attaching it to the window and it was very quick without a load on it.  Then when I went to attach it to the window, noticed that the lift mechanism only seemed to be attached to one side of the window rather than grab the window on two sides.  Well, it was exactly that way when I pulled the old lift mechanism, so I tried the window a few times.  Guess what?  It was every bit as slow as the old motor.Tested it with very light had pressure, window went up and down much faster.  Closer look showed the problem seemed to be where the lift mechanism grabs the window,  By only holding on one side, the lift twisted and starts to bind.  So a trip to the dealer for the proper new parts to grab both sides of the glass.  Problem:  both parts are NLA, but I did get the part numbers!  A quick check on Ebay finds both parts, The "glass retainer" was in France for 6 Euros but 26 Euros shipping.  The "retaining nut" was also on Ebay in the U.S. at a slightly more reasonable price.  A Google search pointed me to a bunch of Jeep dealer sites, all of which told me the part was NLA.  So I sent a p.m. to Don and asked where he pulls up all his NLA parts.  Don pointed me to a couple of sites with the parts I needed.  Thanks DON!   Parts are on order for a $4 and $6 with about $10 shipping on each part from the U.S.  

 

Will update this post when the new parts arrive.

 

The other alternative was a trip to the Junk Yard and find the parts I needed - but there is a reason they are called Junk Yards, right?  With Cherokee window problems so common, I had little expectation of finding good "glass retainers and nuts".  Perhaps the rear Cherokee windows would be a better place to look.

[johnj92131]

Still waiting on the new parts to arrive.  Had some time, so I made a very quick run to the local Pick a Part yard and got both the window retainer and the nut.  After putting it in properly, there is no change to the window function..  Next looked for a way to adjust the window tracks to see if I could reduce any friction.  Managed to move the wing window track a little bit, but no change in the window operation.  It goes down fast enough.  But it starts up very, very slowly.  Light pressure with my hand can on the bottom of the window speeds it up dramatically.  After raising the window about 4 inches, the speed picks up a little bit.

 

The fact that the window goes down quite fast with no visible slow down or binding indicates to be I have a second bad motor.  Really did not want to spend a couple of hundred dollars for a new power window motor.  But at this point, I have wasted money on a used motor and a whole bunch of time, with no real progress.

 

Noticed in my parts search that the 97+ XJ window motor is a different part number.  My question is:  Are the 97+ Cherokee power windows any more realiable than the earlier versions?  If so, it might make some sense to just do the late door conversion on the truck.  Rather than sink a couple of hundred dollars in to the old style doors.

 

Any thoughts?

[HOrnbrod]

Years ago when I put electric windows in, I used a kit from Electric Life, linked below. I used them because a member here, Gjeep, had used them and really liked their operation and quality. They are made in Italy and are a lot faster than the Mopar regulators as the motors are larger. I've had them in for ten years now and they are still going strong - highly recommended.  :cheers:

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/eli-je01-k

[johnj92131]

Had a bit of a pain trying to get the Electric Life power window regulators.  Summit web site says no delivery till February.  Found a Electric Life dealer in L.A.  He tells me he "thinks" they have been discontinued by Electric Life.  Offers me Chinese parts that are more reliable than Electric Life has been recently (Chinese Auto Replacement Parts = C.R.A.P.)  Just called Electric Life office in Chicago - They have the replacement kit in stock.

Price?  $150 for both sides.  So I ordered.  Both regulators will be shipped UPS ground tomorrow. 

 

Anyone else looking for this kit for their Comanche - call 800 548-2168  Kit is JE-01-K.  $150 is a bargain for both sides.

[HOrnbrod]

Anyone else looking for this kit for their Comanche - call 800 548-2168  Kit is JE-01-K.  $150 is a bargain for both sides.

 

Wow, that sure is a bargain if they are the same regulators. Did you ask John? If not, please let me know if they are the units made in Italia when you get them. Even if not, it's still a great price.   :cheers: