Hello all, I'm working on my aunt's 86 Fleetwood Brougham drivers window problem. The window operates fine for about the first 6 inches, then it stops going down and the motor makes a loud ratcheting type of noise. It will go up fine from this 6 inch point.

I took the door panel off and the window does not look to be binding or off the tracks. It just stops at that 6 inch point then makes that loud ratcheting/clicking noise at the motor.

All parts that I can see of that long plastic drive tape (not sure what it's called) appear to be fine (no broken/worn out slots, not out the the regulator channel, etc.).

Anyone have any ideas about what can be causing this? It happened all of a sudden.

If the motor needs to come out, does the regulator also have to come out? Any suggestions on how to get the motor out (I tried searching but didn't get anywhere). I assume drill the rivets out, then replace with nuts and bolts.

Thanks for any help.
Rich

hmm i have the same problem with my suburban.

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Either the drive gear on the motor is stripped or the regulator tape is stripped. More likely the regulator tape. Yes, you must drill out the rivets and replace with bolts.

For the benefit of others, I'll post that the problem is resolved. I drilled out the rivets and removed the regulator/motor assembly then tried it on the bench. The motor had an internal gear problem, the regulator tape was fine. I replaced the motor and all is well now.

glad to know that works. one of these days when i feel like it i'll get around to doing that to my suburban. its the right rear passenger window so i dont really care. glad to know you fixed it!