electrical

Power Window Motor - Rear

for 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83 · RWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
9
Steps
15
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the replacement of the rear power window motor on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab or double cab, including door panel removal, regulator access, and motor replacement.

Warnings

Disconnect negative battery terminal before beginning work to prevent power window switch activation and potential pinch injuries
Support the window glass securely before disconnecting the motor to prevent glass from dropping
ℹ️Keep all door panel fasteners organized as they may be different lengths in different locations

Tools required

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Parts

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure ignition is off
  2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes
  3. Roll rear window to approximately mid-position if motor still functions, or manually position glass to mid-height for access
  4. Gather all tools and new replacement motor
  5. Cover door sill and adjacent panels with towels to prevent scratches

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove door panel fasteners
    Remove the two T30 Torx screws from the door pull handle cup. Remove the single screw behind the interior door handle bezel by pulling the bezel forward slightly to access. On models with power locks and windows, carefully pry out the switch panel from the armrest using a trim tool.
  2. 2
    Disconnect electrical connectors
    Disconnect all electrical connectors from the window switch panel and any other switches in the door panel. Press the locking tabs and pull connectors straight out. Set switch panel aside.
  3. 3
    Release door panel clips
    Starting at the bottom rear corner, use door panel removal tools to carefully disengage the retaining clips around the perimeter of the door panel. Work your way around the panel, applying even pressure to avoid breaking clips. There are typically 8-10 clips around the panel edge.
    Retaining clips are fragile; use proper door panel tools and pull straight out to minimize breakage
  4. 4
    Remove door panel
    Lift the door panel upward to disengage it from the window sill channel. Tilt the panel away from the door and set it aside on a protected surface. Remove the plastic vapor barrier partially by carefully peeling back the section covering the window regulator area. You may leave the barrier attached at the edges.
  5. 5
    Secure window glass
    Manually raise the window glass to the full up position. Secure it in place using masking tape from the top of the glass to the door frame exterior, or use wooden blocks wedged between the glass and door frame interior. This prevents the glass from falling when the motor is disconnected.
    Ensure glass is firmly secured before proceeding; unsupported glass can drop and shatter
  6. 6
    Access window regulator motor
    Locate the window motor mounted to the regulator assembly inside the door. It will be a cylindrical motor with a wiring harness connector. You may need to reach through access holes in the door frame. Use a work light to improve visibility.
  7. 7
    Disconnect motor electrical connector
    Press the locking tab on the window motor electrical connector and disconnect it from the motor. Move the wiring harness aside to provide working clearance.
  8. 8
    Remove motor mounting fasteners
    Remove the three bolts securing the window motor to the regulator assembly using a 10mm socket. On some models, the motor may be riveted; if so, drill out the rivets using a 1/8 inch bit. Support the motor as you remove the final fastener.
    ℹ️If drilling out rivets, take care not to damage the regulator plate
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Remove old motor
    Carefully separate the motor from the regulator assembly. The motor gear will disengage from the regulator sector gear. Maneuver the motor out through the door frame access hole. Note the orientation and position of the motor for installation reference.
  10. 10
    Install new motor
    Position the new window motor to the regulator assembly, ensuring the motor gear properly meshes with the regulator sector gear. Align the mounting holes and verify the motor is seated flush against the regulator mounting surface.
  11. 11
    Install motor mounting fasteners
    Install the three mounting bolts and torque to specification using a torque wrench. If the original motor was riveted, use the replacement bolts provided with the new motor kit. Ensure the motor is securely mounted with no play or movement.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the electrical harness to the new window motor, ensuring the connector locks into place with an audible click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
  13. 13
    Test window operation
    Remove window glass support (tape or blocks). Temporarily reconnect the negative battery terminal. Reconnect the window switch (you can do this without fully reinstalling the panel). Test window operation through full up and down travel multiple times. Verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noise. Disconnect battery again before proceeding.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  14. 14
    Reinstall vapor barrier and door panel
    Reposition the vapor barrier, ensuring proper seal around the edges. Align the door panel with the window sill channel and slide it down into position. Press firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Install all screws in reverse order of removal, ensuring proper torque on fastener screws.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
  15. 15
    Final reconnection and testing
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to switches. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Test all door functions including window operation, locks, and any other switches. Verify window auto-up and auto-down features work correctly if equipped.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all door panel clips are properly seated before testing
  2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully locked in place
  3. Check that door panel screws are installed in correct locations as some may be different lengths
  4. Confirm vapor barrier is properly sealed to prevent water intrusion and wind noise

Verification

  • Test window operation through full travel multiple times, confirming smooth movement with no hesitation or binding
  • Verify window auto-reverse safety feature works if equipped by obstructing window path during closure
  • Check that window seals properly at full up position with no gaps
  • Confirm all door panel fasteners are secure and panel does not rattle
  • Test all other door electrical functions to ensure no connectors were left disconnected
  • Listen for any unusual motor noise during operation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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More procedures for this vehicle

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