1997 Window Actuator or Not

[nycnftm]

Hello today is my first post!

I have a question whether I need a new driver's window actuator or something else. I just bought the Expedition yesterday and was told the driver's door, window, lock is is need of repair. He said do not press the window button and showed me what happens if you do.

As it is now, the window does not go down, and you cannot exit the door normally. You have to roll down the rear window and reach out to life the handle. He said he has been doing this for over a year and its no big deal. I drove it 1 day and it was a big deal.

If you press the window button you hear a lot of noise, grinding and thing that do not sound good. So before I go out and buy a replacement actuator I wanted to know if it is just off its tracks and if it needs to be replaced. Also is the door not opening related to whatever is grinding inside the panel.

I saw the bookmark of how to install the replacement actuator but is mine broken or misaligned?

Thanks guys

 

[AZ59apacheguy]

Not sure what inside the door panel. My advice would be to buy a Chilton or Haynes manual, I did and have used it a bunch, a lot of good info in there. Back to your question. It sounds like the same noise our Hyundai Sante Fe made and that was a cable/pulley system. The cable came undone from the pulleys and the motor kept trying to work, made a horrendous noise. Best to try and pop that door panel off and take a looksie. Let us know what you find

 

[AbbadonTD]

What he said, its the rails. Its probably an off'd lever or it threw a pin. See if you can get the inside door panel off. You should be able to fix it from inside, you might have to get creative with a screw...