First Post & LX470 Window Motor/Regulator Recommendation (1 Viewer)

[metalslug]

Hi all,

This is my first post so I'm including a pic of my '07 LX470 as an introduction. My driver's side window was sluggish over the winter and now recently stopped working entirely except for a straining noise.

My mechanical ability is pretty basic, but I'm willing to try and I think I can handle replacing the window motor and regulator. My question is whether I should use a non-OEM part for this job? The OEM assembly is over $500, which seems steep. On the other hand, I don't want to have to do this again anytime soon. I tried searching the forum and couldn't find anything on this so any advice is appreciated.

 

[excessive]

unless you want to do the job more than once, go with OEM. The aftermarket stuff is cheap for a reason. I've learend my lesson several times trying to cheap out, but I always end up having to do the job over again in a year or 2. Non-OEM parts are for vehciels that you are not planning to keep for the long-term IMO

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Is it 100% sure that it is the motor?

 

[metalslug]

Is it 100% sure that it is the motor?

I am not 100% sure, but don't know what else to investigate. I first noticed the window going up and down very slowly/sluggishly. This lasted a few months through winter. Now it isn't moving at all and there is a sort of strained injured animal noise from the control panel. I assumed this was the motor/regulator assembly, but I'm open to ideas.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Ok cool, yes do not order the motor yet. Open up door panel and inspect if the glass window itself is in the track/rails (front and rear ends).

Secondly, verify if the 10mm bolt is still there holding the glass panel on the horizontal riser where the glass sits. The motor of the power window on any toyota is not popular for just stopping, if it’s slow going up or down, it’s usually a case of the glass panel being derailed and that 10mm is the culprit.

 

[metalslug]

Thanks, I'll look and follow up.

 

[metalslug]

Ok cool, yes do not order the motor yet. Open up door panel and inspect if the glass window itself is in the track/rails (front and rear ends).
Secondly, verify if the 10mm bolt is still there holding the glass panel on the horizontal riser where the glass sits. The motor of the power window on any toyota is not popular for just stopping, if it’s slow going up or down, it’s usually a case of the glass panel being derailed and that 10mm is the culprit.

Alright, I opened up the door panel and I believe the window is in the tracks and rails both front and rear (pictured). I couldn't get an angle to take pictures, but it also *seems* like the 10mm screws are properly holding the window to the regulator. I'm kind of going on feel because, I can't get the window/regulator down to inspect further. It seems like the access panels are for the window in the lowered position. There is definitely power going the motor and it seems like it's straining to work but no movement. Any idea how to get that regulator down other than gentle persuasion?

 

[OEMGUY0720]

One way to troubleshoot the motor: to really verify if it's the motor or maybe something else hopefully repairable still by cleaning/lube. The motor goes up/down by switching polarity when you supply power to it.

If the glass window is in closed position all the way up, this is one good video that illustrates how you can remove the regulator/motor with the window mechanism: and then eventually able to get the window down.

This is also a good time to spray dry lube/silicone lubricant on the front and rear guide rails where the glass panel slides up and down.

 

[metalslug]

UPDATE: Hopefully this might help someone else in the future.

@OEMGUY0720, you were right. It was not my motor or regulator. I next tried replacing the master switch with a $45 Switch Doctor part and still had the exact same issue. At this point I was out of ideas and everything looked okay as far as I could tell so I brought it in to a mechanic to have the electrical system tested. They tested continuity of all the wiring and again diagnosed it as the master switch. They said the switch doctor one was garbage and that the OEM part would fix the issue. I spent a couple weeks looking for a used OEM switch with no luck. I finally broke down and bought a new one for about $700. Unfortunately, that didn't fix the problem (and was a non-refundable electronic part).

I ultimately brought it into the local Lexus dealership, which I should have just done from the start. They hand traced all the wiring and found a couple of broken wires in the wiring harness that were pretty well concealed by a rubber covering. I'm not sure how the first mechanic missed this...maybe they were still connected enough to be conducive to the eletrical testing. Anyway, I spent way more time and money on this than I want to admit, but I'm glad to have a functioning window again.

TLDR: If your window doesn't work, check the wiring by hand for continuity.

Also, if anyone needs a minut OEM Master Switch for an '07 LX470, I'll make you a good deal.

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