LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Window motor/regulator

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Old 07-06-13, 08:20 AM
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dc893
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Question Window motor/regulator

Over 20 years of use and the drivers side regulator or motor is going out. The window is slow to open and close and is always getting stuck. To get the window to move I need to hit the door panel or slam the door close. The window will eventually get to where it needs to be.

I am just curious if anybody has had to replace these on a 1st gen. I figure it's probably mostly a regulator problem, but I do think it would be wise to replace both. Anybody had to do this before? I am just wondering how difficult this will be to fix.
Old 07-06-13, 01:58 PM
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billydpowe
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the first thing to do is take off the door panel.... and go look at Yamae' post..
Old 07-12-13, 03:23 PM
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dc893
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Just put my new motor and regulator in today. Very simple DIY. If any body has a question about replacing the motor/regulator assembly just post them up here.
Old 07-14-13, 11:30 AM
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diamondave
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i am having a similar issue on my 96. normally its not slow but at times it just wont roll down or wont roll up. wait 5 mins and it works fine. I was thinking the motor may be going out, just havent took time to check into it
Old 07-14-13, 02:00 PM
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dc893
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That's how mine started, eventually i had to start hitting the door panel to get it to move, finally it completely quit. It's very easy to replace the entire assembly.
Old 07-14-13, 03:27 PM
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diamondave
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i am not 100% sure it is not my switch. My auto down as never worked and the drivers is very loose where the other windows switches are snug like new.
Old 07-14-13, 04:27 PM
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dc893
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Sounds possible that it could possibly be a switch. Neither are very expensive to replace. Maybe if you know somebody else with an LS you could try plugging your switch into another one and see what happens. I'm not much into diagnosing electric components. I just happened to be able to see that my problem was most likely a motor/regulator problem.
Old 07-14-13, 05:54 PM
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Yamae
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Originally Posted by dc893
I just happened to be able to see that my problem was most likely a motor/regulator problem.
I have a request, dc893. Would you mind measuring the resistance of the motor?
Motors can't be checked by eyes but measuring the resistance can provide you some internal conditions.

Too small resistance like 1 Ohm or less mostly means clogged inside. Small DC motors tend to fail when aged because of accumulated carbon dusts inside. This can be fixed cleaning inside but sometimes it is not easy to access there.
Old 07-15-13, 04:10 PM
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dc893
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Originally Posted by Yamae
I have a request, dc893. Would you mind measuring the resistance of the motor?
Motors can't be checked by eyes but measuring the resistance can provide you some internal conditions.

Too small resistance like 1 Ohm or less mostly means clogged inside. Small DC motors tend to fail when aged because of accumulated carbon dusts inside. This can be fixed cleaning inside but sometimes it is not easy to access there.
The old motor/regulator has already been thrown away. I was able to tell it was probably an issue with the motor since when I would hit the door panel where the motor was and the window would become unstuck. Slamming the door hard would also allow the window to move again. The window was also VERY slow. Since replacing the motor/regulator fixed the problem I would say that chances are something was wrong with the motor.

As far as trying to clean or repair the motor I figured that could be a waste of time. After 20 years it seems like it's probably better to just replace the entire assembly. It's not like it's expensive to just replace with new parts either.
Old 07-15-13, 06:16 PM
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diamondave
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how much was the new motor and where did you buy it?
Old 07-16-13, 02:32 PM
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dc893
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I cheaped out and got a ebay one for $65. Works well so far, We will see how long it lasts though Hope it lasts, never can tell with that cheap stuff sometimes.
Old 07-16-13, 03:49 PM
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Dranom
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post pics of the DIY if you guys have a chance
Old 07-16-13, 05:42 PM
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LScowboyLS
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Maybe if you know somebody else with an LS you could try plugging your switch into another one and see what happens.
diamondave - you keep your smelly old window switch out of my car!
Old 07-17-13, 01:29 PM
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diamondave
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You calling my window switch smelly boy?!?! haha
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