My window fell down into the door and it appears the cable is broken on the window regulator (1997). Before I start ripping things out, does anyone have any advice or a guide on how to replace it? I was thinking of finally getting a Haynes manual, but I'm not sure if this is in there or not. I have the 1997 FSM, but its somewhat vague about the proper steps and diagrams.

I can still hear the motor trying to operate when I hit the switch, but I'm a bit confused on how it connects to the regulator.

Any information you can give me is appreciated.

 

I remember seeing a YouTube video on that. It may have been a Toyota Camry, can't remember, but shpuld be similar.

Do a YouTube search and you'll find it.

Phil

 

I'm sure someone else will chirp in with better advise but here is my two cents.
I haven't pull out the window regulator on a Lexus yet.
I've only had mine for a month now.
But I have done this job on a Camry.
Just jump in and try. You really can't brake anything.
Once you get the door panel off, it will all make sense. Getting the door panel off is the trickiest part.. I would say that you have to manually push the window up all the way. Do this onc you have the door panel off. Push it up from the inside. You might have to use duct tape to hold the window in the "up" postion while you unbolt the window motor/regular from the door frame. You will see 3 or 4 bolts holding the unit to the door frame. You can't miss them.
Then wiggle the unit out. Slip the new unit in.
Just try it. You'll get it.

I did have the inside door panel off the other day to loose the 4 bolts holding it to the door fame.
I had to do this to fix the dreaded "rear window issue" that many 2003 and 2004 Lexus have.
I think the window regulator extends too far in the "up" postion and gets stuck ( or freezes ). If you loosen the four bolts and slam the door . . . the regulator gets "un-stuck" and the window operates again. I didn't have to remove the motor/regulator unit.

 

One other thing. Use 10 mm socket on the bolts. It seems that 10 mm socket is used most bolts on the Toyoto, Lexus, and Honda. When it doubt . . . it will be a 10 mm bolt .

 

Thanks a lot for the tips. I think I'll probably just jump into it as you said and learn as I go.

One question though; rockauto and a few other parts dealers only have the right and left rear window regulators listed. Any idea if they are interchangeable with the front or what the reason for this is?

 

They are not interchangeable. Give them a call maybe they have it or can get it for you

Phil

 

I recently changed mine... what is the procedure to alright the window glass bolts to the regulator to get the window glass just right enough not to let water in and loose enough not to hit the car body from around the door when you close it?