I just bought a 98 E250 and it has manual windows. The passenger front glass is falling into the door. I've got it jammed closed.

I opened up the door panel. I found that one of the two cable lines that follows the inside of winder track (the vertical track) was frayed and snapped in half. The actual window winder handle does not move unless I release the glass into the door.

How do I fix this?

 

The entire regulator mechanism needs to be replaced-----there's no fixing one in your condition.

Should be two 1/4" aluminum rivets at the bottom, two similar studs at the top of the track in which the window travels. There are also two 1/4" aluminum rivets holding the glass to the regulator which need to be removed WITH CAUTION! In fact its advisable to first drill those out CAREFULLY before removing the rest of the regulator. Rivets can be replaced with 1/4-20 x 3/4" bolts with some sort of locking nut, preferrably the Ny-Lok type. This assumes you don't have access to the typical glass stop rivets and suitable tool to pull the rivets properly.

Get the regulator from the dealership as they are better quality than anything aftermarket-----trust me on this as I'm in the auto glass business. This isn't a job you want to do over and over not to mention a failing regulator has been known to break the glass.

For those never having done this it seems more complicated than it really is. Be careful removing the interior trim panel and make certain to support the glass while removing it and when installing the new regulator. Sounds like you've got most of this accomplished already though.

 

I just need a window regulator? I can't just replace the snapped line? How long would it take someone who knows what they are doing to make the replacement (book time)?

 

I've tried explaining this as best I can------I'm in the auto glass business and do this regularly. You might know something I don't however...........best of luck!!

 

I just converted my '98 E250 from manual windows to power windows and agree with JWA. Removing and replacing the regulator is a lot easier than it sounds and messing with the cables instead of replacing the entire assembly is far more trouble than it's worth.

My van had about 10,000 miles on it (hard to believe, but I managed to find an 11 year old van with less than 10K on it). If you're interested in the regulators, PM me. I have no use for them since switching to power windows.

 

I tried PMing you and you have either blocked messages or you don't have the required number of posts. I'm interested in the regulator(s). Please adjust your settings or send me a PM.

 

I got your message. I sent you an email. Check your inbox. Thanks!

 

did you get any of my emails? I need to buy the regulator by Monday or else I'm going to have to buy another unit.