1999 sl2, sometimes the drivers side front window comes loose, you can hear the regulator mechanism moving but the window doesn't. push down on window and it engages. do I need to replace the reulator or is it something else

 

Open it up and look.

 

Sounds like maybe some teeth are stripped down to me. But, what the hell do I know? I'm not a mechanic.

 

If the window rolls up ok and if it goes down ok after getting started and you can hear the riser moving from the moment you press the down button then it sounds like the riser and drive motor may be ok and that something is just loose or stripped.

I think 4 possibilities. (1) the window glass has come out of the metal channel that is glued to the bottom edge or (2) the bracket [that that channel is a part of] is no longer attached to the riser or (3) Ruby is right and the drive belt has worn down and isn't fully engaging or (4) the riser is loose and isn't fully engaging the drive belt.

No matter which, or something else even, the only way you're gonna know is to remove the door panel and look.

 

I would guess you are going to have to take things apart and look. The Saturn here at the house is a 94, owned since 96 and I have replaced the door mechanism (electric) twice on the drivers side and the passenger side I hope to repair rather than replace. But I am going to have to take it apart. to find out.
The 94 to get after it, requires the outer door skin to be removed. The window is not glued in to anything, it is bolted into the lift mechanism. This is a car I highly recommend going to your local auto parts store and purchase some sort of manual for it to make repairs from. A Mitchel's or a Chilton's or something.$30.00 or so for the manual can save you hundreds of dollar's in repair costs by indicating the correct recommended way to remove things and the order of them.

 

thanks for the replies. took off inside panell and by passed switch motor worked a little and then stopped. teeth worn also so I will order a new regulator. also plan on taking the other doors apart and clean and lube the regulators. from the research I've done seems like this is one the the sl's weak areas. anyone ever used the ones from rock auto

 

As I have had to do that myself a number of times, I did not know rock auto offered a replacement. However looking at their parts catalog just now I realize that they have a replacement motor. I would not have a problem in ordering one if I needed it as junk yard parts are a gamble and OEM gives you the whole regulator with motor at the price of the national debt. Now that you have pointed it out I think I will order a motor. Thanks.
Edited: I just went up and looked at the motor replacement. Good deal. GM sells the whole regulator not the motor alone. Not a bad procedure. I might add that taking the door skin off gives a lot of access to things you were trying to do from the inside, in fact replacing the regulator might be easier on the out side with the skin removed. But and there always a but, my 94 hooks the window up the the regulator differently and you pretty much have to take the door skin off. I need to replace the motor on my 94 so I plan on ordering one next week.
Thanks.