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Replacing Your Z31 Power Window Motor

In this how-to, I’ll explain how I replaced the power window motor with a new one. The symptoms I was experiencing were:

  • The power window motor would whine but the window wouldn’t move.
  • When assisted by hand, the window would go up and down—but not under its own power.
  • Even after reaching the top or bottom, the motor would keep running instead of stopping as it should.

Normally, the power window motor should stop automatically when the window is all the way up or down. If you’re seeing similar symptoms, your window motor may need replacing as well.

*WARNING* - Do this modification at your own risk. We Are not responsable for any issues of your own doing.

Tools Needed

  • Magnetic head screwdriver (Phillips, medium size)
  • Power screwdriver
  • Socket wrench and metric sockets (10mm)
  • 3 screws (M6 x 16 pan head)

Procedure

  1. Start by unscrewing the cover for the door lock handle. It is black and the screw is located right next to the door lock knob. Then unscrew the red door light on the inside of the panel. Finally, unscrew the four screws that attach the door handle to the panel (all Phillips heads). When the door handle comes loose, detach the power window switch cables.
  2. At this point you should be able to remove the panel. Do this very gently, working from the bottom. There will be about six plastic tacks you don't want to break (they’re hard to find replacements for). Once the panel is loose at the bottom and you can lift it 10–20 degrees, rock it back and forth while pushing up to remove the panel from the door.
  3. Now you’ll see the plastic wrapper separating the door metal from the panel. Before taking it apart, unscrew the four screws holding the right front speaker assembly (on the silver exterior assembly cover). Once you remove the speaker assembly, detach the speaker wires and gently peel off the white plastic wrapper material.
  4. Now you’re close to removing the window glass. Raise the window all the way up, then lower it until the two screws that attach the glass to the power window assembly align with two holes in the door (about 40cm or 15" apart). Tape the window in place once the screws are aligned (packing or shipping tape works well). Remove those two screws; the glass should come loose but stay in place because of the tape.
  5. Unscrew the four bolts arranged in a rectangular pattern about midway in the door (10mm hex, also Phillips). Use your wrench and socket to remove them. Also, unscrew the two bolts closer to the rear of the car—these hold the pivot point for the power window assembly. Detach the power window motor wire.
  6. Now you can move the whole power window assembly back and forth inside the door. Make it as compact as possible by moving the rollers toward the front of the car. Push the whole assembly deep into the door toward the speaker opening, then use some force to rock the front end loose and pull it out. This step is tight and tricky—get the right angle and it will come out.
  7. Grease or replace the old motor. Make sure you mark the spring assembly’s position before detaching the power window.
  8. Reassemble everything in reverse order. Use new screws to attach the power window motor to the assembly.

Sources Used