I have a 1987 dodge B250 3/4-ton 5.9L van. It is actually my father's van, he bought it new when I was a kid, and we're driven it ever since - only has 112k miles!). I've been doing a partial restoration on it (basically, mechanical stuff) This is my first post here - looks like a good forum! The driver's window no longer moves (stuck in the UP position) and the van's A/C doesn't work anymore. It's hot. I have to fix this before I move out of my apartment.
Anyone care to diagnose this?
- holding the up or down switch, I can hear the window motor running freely with nothing straining it.
- I took the door panel off, and when pressing either switch I cannot see anything moving at all, inside the door.
- when the window failed, it was not immediate but it failed progressively. I don't believe it has any tracking problems (aside from being 20 years old), but the window would go partway up, stop moving, and i'd have to assist it with my hand to make it roll all the way up. It did this for maybe a month before the window ceased to move entirely.
I get the impression that a gear is stripped, loose or broken off - but I'm not a window expert (nor am I a dodge expert) and I'm wondering if I can fix this myself. Thanks,
-tim
Dodgevanman
05-15-2006, 11:28 AM
Definitely sounds like some gears are stripped. New motors and regulators are available or you can get a used assembly from a junkyard. If I remember correctly the regulators are screwed into the door, but some are riveted in so you'd have to drill out the rivets. Use some duct tape to keep the window from falling once you remove the regulator assembly.
It's not too hard. But you may want to get yourself a shop manual.
Tim 95 M3
05-15-2006, 12:44 PM
thanks for the reply -
i did some reading online - do you have any good experience with certain parts places online? Junkyard sounds appealing but i don't want to replace it again in a year.
Also - chilton vs. haynes - does anyone have an opinion about this for a B250 van?
When i replace the regulator, does that include the window tracks/etc? do i have to re-align stuff? Just need to know what i'm in for, here.
thanks!!!
stev
05-15-2006, 08:31 PM
I have the Haynes manual for the Dodge Ram Van. It covers both generations of the B series. It's good for knowing the parts of the engine, carb and brake stuff. It doesn't go into any big details on engine break-down to do a rebuild or adjust the lifters. Hayes sells another book just for truck engines that would cover this.
My folks have a 1993 conversion with the 5.9L. The window had an issue back then, but I didn't pay close attention to how my dad fixed it.
A friend of mine had a 7 day subscription to his vehicle and downloaded everything he could via his high speed connection.
I would love to find a 1987 with a /6 in it. That enigne is so easy to work on and rebuild. :)
Dodgevanman
05-15-2006, 08:43 PM
Actually I recommend getting a factory shop manual. You can find used ones kinda cheap on Ebay.
My favorite places to get parts is Advance Auto Parts or Autozone, but I'm not sure if you can buy the whole regulator from them....just the motor. You may need to get a brand new regulator from the dealer, if you don't want to go the used route.
I was doing some research and it looks like the motor can be disassembled and a new gear kit installed. This may be a more inexpensive way to go since your window motor still works. It could just be that the plastic gear is stripped out.
More than likely it is the "torque pins" that have disentigrated or the gear that they ride on is bad. The torque pins/rollers are plastic and break up after about 10+ years. My recomendation is to buy a brand new SIEMENS motor online at www.autozone.com for $43 plus shipping. Free ground shipping on orders over $75. The motor may look a bit different and you may have to splice the wiring plug but they work great. Lifetime warranty. You can also get rebuilt motors but check the cost. Just installed a new one in the 91 Mercury and it works great.
The motor includes the gears and pins already put together. The regulator is a different part and rarely go bad on electric windows.
Removal
Remove the trim panel(s) to gain access to the window motor. Disconnect the wire connector from the motor. Remove the rivets that secure the regulator to the inner door panel. Remove the screw that holds the window motor tie down bracket to the inner door panel (if equipped). Manually move the regulator assembly to disengage the regulator slider from the glass lift channel. Secure the window glass in the up position with several straps of duct tape looped over the window frame. Remove the regulator through the door access hole.
If window motor needs to be removed from the regulator, secure the regulator in a vise to prevent the sector gear from moving.[1] Remove three motor attaching screws and remove window motor from the regulator.
[1] WARNING: If the sector gear is not properly secured to prevent movement, the counter balance spring will cause the regulator arm to move rapidly when the window motor is removed from the regulator. This may cause personal injury.
Installation
Install window motor to regulator using original mounting screws. Inspect the sector gear teeth and window motor teeth for proper mesh. Remove the regulator assembly from the vise and insert through the door access panel. Manually position the regulator arm slide in the window lift channel. Secure the regulator assembly to the inner door panel using either new rivets or matching nut, bolt, and washer sets. Install screw to motor tie down bracket (if equipped). Connect motor wiring to harness and test system for proper operation.
