If you own a Holden VT, VX, VY or VZ, there's a fair chance you've experienced a power window that no longer behaves itself. It may stop working altogether, become slow or uneven, or refuse to travel properly up and down.
Fortunately, replacing the window regulator is a job that many owners can tackle at home with basic tools and good instructions.
I've done this repair myself, which is actually why we produced our Holden Electric Window Regulator Repair Manual in the first place.
What's Usually Involved?
The regulator is the mechanism inside the door that raises and lowers the window glass. To replace it, you need to remove the inner door trim, gain access to the regulator, disconnect and remove the old unit, install the replacement and make sure the window operates correctly.
There are a few clips, screws, electrical connections and other parts to deal with along the way, but there's nothing mysterious about the job when you can see what needs to come off and in what order.
Front and Rear Windows Are Different
Holden used different regulator arrangements front and rear.
The front doors use a scissor-type regulator, while the rear doors use a cable-type mechanism.
So before buying replacement parts, make sure you're ordering the correct regulator for the model, year, door and position you're repairing.
Take Your Time Removing the Door Trim
Probably the most important thing is not to attack the door trim like a gorilla with a screwdriver.
There are screws, clips and electrical connections behind it. Work through them carefully and put the screws and small parts somewhere safe as they come off.
Once the trim is removed, the window regulator becomes accessible through the inner door panel.
Replacing the Regulator
The window glass needs to be supported while the old regulator is disconnected and removed.
The regulator is retained inside the door, and the Holden procedure shows where the attachments are located, how the regulator comes out and how the replacement goes back in.
Once installed, the window and guides are checked and adjusted so the glass travels smoothly and closes correctly.
That's basically the job.
It isn't something every owner will want to tackle, but if you're reasonably comfortable doing basic repairs on your Holden, it's certainly worth considering before paying someone else to do it.
Want the Instructions Beside You While You Do It?
Our Holden VT-VZ Electric Window Regulator Repair Manual gives you the illustrated step-by-step instructions for removing, replacing and adjusting the front and rear window regulators.
It covers Commodore, Statesman, Crewman, Adventra, Caprice, Monaro, Berlina, Calais, Utes and HSV models.
For the factory instruction on replacing the window regulators click here