2nd Aug 2006, 15:44

Same here -- I have a 2001 Le Sabre Limited, and 3 of the 4 windows are now inoperable. About 4 months ago, I heard something break inside one rear door, and the window fell open. A brief inspection revealed the motor was working, but the cable was flopping around. Yesterday, when I was repairing the windshield wiper fluid pump, the same flaw took out the one remaining rear window, and within a few seconds, the driver's window stopped working too. Not what you would expect for a car that cost almost $30,000 just 5 years ago. Also, what are you guys referring to when you say the "regulator" -- is that the same thing as the power window motor?

Has anyone successfully repaired their own window, and if so, did you use a reference book to help (which one)?

26th Aug 2006, 09:07

I have a 2000 Buick LeSabre Custom. it has about 165000 miles on it and has been a very reliable automobile, except for the window regulators.

When this first happened a couple of years back (on rear windows that were never used), I contacted Buick, but they responded that there were no known problems with the regulators. I did not pay to fix the problem, simply blocked the windows in place, which means I couldn't use them.

Recently, the passenger and now driver regulators have gone. So I have begun to look again at self repair, which seems to be a viable option after reading several threads relating to this subject. One thread mentions self repair (http://www.carsurvey.org/viewmorecomments_review_38504_1.html) Looks like there are replacement parts on eBay for about $60 shipped (search "LeSabre regulator" on eBay).

As well http://www.onetobuy.bizland.com/index.htm will rebuild your regulators cheaply and will fix the original problem on the regulator, which means that the regulator should work correctly without the same problem occurring in the future.

I have not fixed mine yet, but I am about to chose one of these methods. I will post soon to let you know what I did.

31st Aug 2006, 18:55

I appreciate all of the information those before me posted, so I wanted to follow up with some new information I now have about this particular problem. I first posted in early August, beginning with "Same here" (had 3 regulators go out).

Since my original post, I ordered the three regulators from http://www.1aauto.com/ for just over $100 per, as another poster had suggested. Two regulators came within a week, and the installation was much easier than I expected, taking no more than an hour, from opening the package to having the car back in the driveway.

If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, and patient with the door panels, I think just about anyone could do this repair with a little common sense. The regulators have to be turned just so to get through the interior door structure, but they will go easily if you find the correct position.

If you haven't removed the door panels before, there are hidden screws that must be removed -- in the front doors, there is a single screw behind the reflector on the outside corner of the panel. In the back doors, there is a single screw behind the ash tray assembly.

Anyway, since I benefited from information I read on this site, I thought I would share what information I learned, in the hopes it might help someone else.

Redog06123@yahoo.com.

23rd Sep 2006, 20:29

Today I joined the "2 or more broken window regulators" club.

I own a 2002 Buick LeSabre. My first regulator (front passenger side) broke when it was raining and I was making sure all the windows were up. I ended up driving home in the rain with the window mostly opened. Today my rear drivers side window regulator broke when I accidentally hit the drivers side control. I'm off to find a part because I can't spend $400 to have this fixed by Buick...

9th Oct 2006, 01:28

Very disappointed! Reviewing previous comments reveals that this problem is widespread. What about the number of people affected that can’t comment. The demographic of LeSabre owners indicates that they may not have access to web. Thank you all for your words and advice. Signed RR door. ps… not optimistic!

9th Oct 2006, 16:31

9 Oct 06.

I will concur that Buick must review the widespread regulator problem. I just had my 2002 Buick's rear passenger side window replaced for the second time in a year. I am not mechanically inclined so I fall prey to the Buick dealership's overpricing.

I am going to see if I can speak with someone at Buick that will actually listen and do something about this problem.

Other than the window regulator's (which are not covered under the extended warranty) I have had know problems and enjoy the ride and comfort of my Buick. However at almost $600.00 a pop to replace a regulator, that seems to be a epidemic amongst owners. I don't see my self in another GM product again.

10th Oct 2006, 17:51

What a surprise - so many people have had the same problem. We have a 2000 Buick LeSabre and have enjoyed owning it. About six months ago, we noticed our left rear window open. We thought someone tried to break into the car.. Being it was so expensive to fix, we had a mechanic lock it closed so we cannot use it. Yesterday for some reason two other windows stopped working. We at least need to have the window on the drivers side working. We know one other Buick owner that had the same problem, he just traded it in. We did own another LeSabre that had a window go bad, but thought that was a one time thing.

We will call Buick just to make them aware. Thanks for all the comments.

23rd Oct 2006, 02:25

Unreal!!! My neighbor asked me to help get her passenger side window up on her 2000 La Sabre which they bought used 6 mos. ago. I noticed the bolt behind the reflector was missing, no biggie. When I was trying to understand the problem I found the cable to be all frayed. I muscled the window up knowing I was going to have to get a cable assembely. A big knot of cable came out of the gear box and the cable end plastic spring retainer was broke. The owner just paid $900 for both rear windows to be fixed. I was told $140 for the new part. Never did I think the Buick would allow such a widespread problem to exist and taint their prestige image. I really thought that this was an isolated incident.

15th Jan 2007, 12:37

Glad I came across this site as I was contemplating getting a Le Sabre! A friend of mine has a Buick Regal and has had NOTHING but problems with the windows since she purchased the car NEW. Three windows "fell" and would NOT go up and were repaired and/or replaced at least TWO times each! They were NOT cheap! I noticed a New York poster here mentioned, that when confronted about the window problem, the dealer informed her that her window problem was due to the cold New York winters! This is nonsense, my friend with the Regal lives in PHOENIX, ARIZONA and the car has NEVER seen cold weather! Sounds like the window mechanism in the Regal AND Le Sabre are a faulty money trap! I won't even consider buying a Buick after seeing the LACK of customer service!