LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

Camaro and Firebird: How to Replace Your Power Window Actuator

A bad power window actuator can leave you exposed to the elements, literally. If your window refuses to budge, the actuator could be your problem.

By Brett Foote - March 4, 2016

This article applies to the Camaro and Firebird (1990-2002).

Power window actuators, or regulators as they're often called, use power supplied by the power window motor to lift the window up and down when you press the switch. When a window fails to lift up or down, the motor and the actuator are the two most common culprits. If you push the power window button and don't hear any noises at all, the problem is most likely a dead motor, bad fuse, or a problem with an electrical connection. If you push the window button and hear a humming or whirring noise, the problem is most likely the actuator. Replacing the actuator isn't a terribly difficult job that just requires a little bit of patience and elbow grease. Keep reading and we'll walk you through the process.

Camaro and Firebird How to Replace Your Power Window Actuator

Materials Needed

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Drill and standard drill bits
  • Panel removal tool or putty knife

Step 1 – Remove door panel

Lift up on the window switch panel to remove it. You can use a panel removal tool or flat head screwdriver to do this, just be careful not to break the tabs that hold it in place. Remove the two connectors plugged into the back of the panel. Remove the Phillips screw behind the door handle and pop off the cover that it holds in place behind the handle, as well as the door lock. Disconnect the electrical connection on the back of the panel by twisting it and pulling it out. Remove the two screws located underneath the arm rest and the one located down in the door pocket. Remove the Phillips screw just below the door handle. Remove the screw from the side mirror and pull the cover off. Pull up and out on the door panel to remove it. Disconnect the connector that goes to the speaker and set the panel aside.

  • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 1. Pry off the window switch panel.
  • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 2. Remove the screw behind the door handle.
  • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 3. Remove the screw in the door pocket.
  • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 4. Remove the two screws underneath the arm rest.
  • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 5. Remove the panel behind the handle.
  • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 6. Remove the screw below the handle.
  • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 7. Remove the screw from the side mirror panel and then remove the panel.
  • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 8. Lift up and out on the door panel to remove it.

Step 2 – Remove window regulator assembly

Carefully peel back the plastic cover on the door, making sure not to rip it if possible. Remove the door speaker by removing the four screws, holding it in place and disconnecting the plug in the back of it. You will need to drill three 5/16" holes in the door panel to gain access to the three rivets that hold the window regulator in place. The locations of these rivets are shown in Figure 10.

  • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 9. Remove the plastic rain shield.
  • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 10. Drill holes to gain access to the rivets.

    Drill the rivets out, being careful not to go through them. Apply just enough pressure to get the rivets completely out. Pull the regulator and motor assembly towards the access hole where the speaker was. This takes a little manipulating, so be patient and you'll eventually guide it out.

    • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
      Figure 11. Drill out the rivets.
    • CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
      Figure 12. Remove the power window assembly.

    Step 3 – Install new power window regulator

    If you're replacing just the regulator and not the motor, you will need to drill out the three rivets that hold it in place, then bolt the motor to the new regulator before installation with the supplied hardware (thankfully not rivets!). Once finished, slide the assembly back into the speaker hole and rotate it until the wheels slide into place. Place the window motor back into the hook and move the assembly until the holes line up with the holes in the door. Install the nuts and bolts that come with the regulator. At this point, it's a good idea to temporarily plug up the window switch panel and make sure everything is working.

    CAMARO FIREBIRD POWER WINDOW REGULATOR ACTUATOR MOTOR REPLACEMENT REMOVE REMOVAL REPLACE HOW TO
    Figure 13. Test the new assembly to make sure it's working properly.

    Step 4 – Reinstall door panel

    Push the door panel back onto the clips until secure. Reinstall the side mirror cover and screw, the door handle screws and panel, the arm rest screws, and the door pocket screw. Reinstall the switch panel and you're done!

    Featured Video: Camaro/Firebird Power Window Replacement

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