Power Window Stuck Closed

[Joshdub]

Hey guys,

My passenger front window started to roll up and down very slowly, so I rolled it all the way up and left it there until I had time to pull off the door panel and see what is going on. Now that I have time to look into it, the window will not roll down at all. When I press the roll down button on either the passenger side, or the driver side controls, the pass side window switch just clicks once and the window does not roll down. I am getting full voltage at the motor wiring harness plug.

Either the motor is dead or the regulator is binding. I cannot forcefully shove the window down. Is there a way to manual crank down the window? It seems like everyone's problem is the window being stuck open, whereas mine is stuck closed.

I am open to all suggestions. I am not sure how I can get the regulator out without first disconnecting it from the window, which I cannot do since the window is all the way up past the access holes.

[RFaber]

If i recall, you can remove the door panel. and then remove the foam cover, then place a towel, or shop rags in the bottom of the door to "catch" the window if it happens to slip down. (dont ask me how i know this!!)
now, you can access the power window motor, unbolt it, but be warned, it will probably fall down very quickly!,or it may just stay put!
either way, once the motor is removed, it will (should) move, you may have to slip the cable off the roller wheel and allow it to come down.
either way, youll end up having to remove the regulator track out of the window, and realign the wheels and wire again. once you get the window free, its a good idea to remove and replace the plastic clips on the window (they wear out and could cause problems by cracking and they are about the cheapest part youll ever get at a dealership!! I think the complimentary coffee is worth more than the parts!!)
ok, then put everything back together (but not the door panels) check the function of the window now, (dont disconnect the air bag or youll get a code!) I cant remember if they need to be "re initialized" or not, but test them out a few times, make sure all is well, then reassemble the doors,
good luck!

[David.X5]

If the window is stuck up, you can also try to unbolt the two plastic clips that hold it to the regulator - it is possible it has jumped/broken one and that is why the window is jammed. There are several threads here on replacing those clips. The plastic clips use a weird custom nut and bolt, so if those are missing, get new ones from the dealer.

BTW, have to second the warning about not letting the window drop - a few pieces of 2" masking tape (from one side of the glass, over the top of the frame, onto the other side of the glass) will hold the window up while you tinker with the motor. Make sure it is well stuck, as cold weather reduces the stickiness. Or a piece of wood under the window or some rolled up blankets also helps prevent you from breaking the window or smashing a finger once it is released.

[Joshdub]

Thanks guys. I'll use some tape. Looks like another person on the e39 forums had the same issue. He had to break the window support clips to get the window free and the regulator out. That will probably be the same way I have to go. There appears to be no way to access the bolts to the motor unfortunately. And hopefully the window clips break easily but they are only a month old.