What is "regulator arms in fixed position"?

[mixwhit]

About to change out a power window motor on my '03. Shop manual says the following:

"Prior to the power window motor removal, ensure the regular arms are in a fixed position to prevent counterbalance spring unwind. Failure to place the regular arms in a fixed position can cause the spring to suddenly release resulting in personal injury."

What do they mean? How do I place them in a fixed position? I would presume that if the motor is off/not operating, it's fixed.

 

[adsm08]

It means have the window glass off the regulator and the regulator wound all the way down.

There is a clock spring in there that is normally held still by the motor, but when you take the motor off it will violently return the regulator to it's down position.

If you can swing it take the regulator and motor out as a unit and then stand on the regulator while removing the motor.

 

[mixwhit]

So I should disconnect the regulator from the glass, then remove regulator and motor as one, and then do the stand on thing?

I can get the motor to wind down by jumping it from the battery. Would it be better to wind it down after I pull it out (but before trying to remove the regulator)?

thx!

 

[adsm08]

I'd pull the glass off, then run the motor down. Also, if this is your first time working on one of these regulators, wear some decent leather work gloves. I've done it a few times, know what to expect, and still sliced myself on one of these last week when it jumped. I have seen one guy get his hand caught between the arms and need stitches from it, so take some steps to protect yourself.