Good morning... I'm fairly new to these forums, and have very much appreciated much of the advice available in the stickies and older threads... I did recently have the HG on my 2003 Discovery done (97,500 miles) and took the opportunity to have all of the other recommended maintenance done - I would have never known to ask about a prop shaft rebuild without the advice here!

I've decided to to to start tackling maintenance on my own. My first challenge is some issues with the door locks and windows. Front pass. door lock hasn't electrically unlocked in ages (works fine pulling the handle from inside or using the key from outside), and the window would occasionally "hang up" - it gets slightly cocked in the frame and you have to help pull it back into level while pushing the window button. I figured I'd eventually have to replace the door lock actuator and the window regulator.

Driver's side door lock started the same behavior - it locks electrically, but rarely unlocks with just the key fob - I often have to use the key to open it from the outside. Friday night, I lowered the window at an ATM and heard a "clunk" - from that point, the window would no longer raise (but I do hear the motor noise).

So... I think I need new door lock actuators and window regulators on both sides. A few questions:

1. Does that diagnosis sound right? Any evidence that the window motors need replacement (the driver window makes noise; just doesn't move)

2. Any problem going with Proline regulators? looks like 60 bucks less per side than genuine.

3. I downloaded RAVE and pulled off the driver's interior trim to start taking a look... a.) I assume that visqueen type plastic covering the whole inside of the door is the "water shedder" referred to in RAVE? b) do I remove that completely? that would require cutting or tearing it c) how do I replace it (or do I need to?) I couldn't find it on roverparts or british atlantic right off (I assume I'd need that black adhesive material as well)

Thanks in advance for any guidance!
Michael

 

Mm it's very likely that the plastic rollers and the motor have failed in your window. Take the window/door apart and then open up the casing to the window motor. If the rubber has shot out of the motor then the you need to replace it. I tried to fix mine by filling it with epoxy but it was no use. As for the rollers you can now purchase a stronger plastic replacement on ebay. You can also do what I did and go to Lowes and purchase a shower roller of a similar size and then sand it to the correct shape, just make sure it slides in the regulator. Either way you'll need to cut the nut off the broken roller.

The water shedder is just a pain in the ***, just remove it partially and roll it back and tape it to the door somewhere to give your self room to work, then just simply re-install when finished.

 

My window had the same symptoms. Window regulator. You can postpone replacement till you find one or want to pay for one. Get a trim removal tool. Pull the panel and it will do much smother if you print the page you need from the manual. Only way I know is to cut the plastic at the rivet points and try to remove in one piece. I bought some none hardening silicon to reattach the plastic. You will need to remove the glass from the regulator via to bolts. Slide the glass up by hand and tape it to stay up. Use hand pressure to force the regulator up while using the window switch. With mine the regulator works as long as you do not bottom out. I just did not have the time to get one. Put the regulator in a position easier to put the window bolts on with the glass. Just sounds like more work then it is. If you have the regulator, then just one trip into the door.

 

OK, thanks... I did pick up a trim tool and that did make a world of difference - on the drivers door, I haven't broken any of the 10 clips yet (although I did order some replacements along with the regulators, just in case).

The regulators seem like a must; I'm still unclear on the motor. Is it worth replacing them while the door is torn apart no matter what?

I'll try and get the existing regulator and motor torn out this week - I'm hoping to get the parts by Friday and be able to get everything put back together for the weekend. At least I'll get to practice on the drivers side before doing the same work on the passenger!