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Hello everyone. I have a friend with a 1998 Pontiac Montana which already has a blown head gasket I’m wondering if I can fix without dropping the cradle. She also complained that the drivers window is malfunctioning. The front of the window drops first instead of the window just going straight down.
Last Friday I pulled the door panel, and after reconnecting the window switches I found the issue. There is an arm running from the actuator to the rear of the window, and this arm has smaller metal arms that pivot on it. The metal arm which controls the rate at which the front of the window drops has seized at the point at which it pivots.
From what I can see, the plastic frame which bolts inside the door is part of the assembly for this arm, and I’m unsure of what to ask for when I call junkyards for prices.
I’m not sure if this sub assembly has an automotive specific term or if I just ask for “that doohickey that raises and lowers the window”.
😆
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Hello Tex. To help you with the head gasket problem, I would need to know engine size. To repair the window issue, I would just replace the entire window regulator (that is the name of the entire assembly). I do not know if you can replace just the damaged parts on their own. Nor would I try. These fail quite often and would also be suspect of a salvage part coming from another sixteen year old vehicle. Some window regulators are bolted on and some are actually riveted on. They are usually inexpensive parts and are readily available in aftermarket. If yours is riveted on, you would need to drill them out and rivet the new on back in place. I hope this helps, Aaron
Honestly I would not go for a used part in this case. I believe the aftermarket parts are quite reasonable. The term I believe you’re looking for is “window regulator”.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Its GM’s 3.4 V6. From the looks of it I wouldn’t be able to get my tools in to remove the rear valve cover. We’re not even sure it’s the head gasket, it could also be the LIM or a cracked block, but since it is the 3.4 I’m pretty sure it’s one of the two gaskets. Her BF told her it just needed a new thermostat but the coolant is low and the exhaust is white as snow.
As for the window, I’ll inform her aftermarket is the best route but her income is very limited. I’ll get prices and get back with her.
Completely unrelated question, ASE certification. How do practice tests reflect upon the actual test? I took a practice test online today and got 71%, which I was pleased with since I haven’t read anything in my book pertaining to brakes since I took my brakes class back in Spring of 2012. I realize the ASE test is going to involve a lot more questions but I seemed to have aced the harder Tech A and B scenario questions.
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