How to Replace A Side Window In a 1992 Toyota Camry

Like myself, and others, you might have have gone to get in your Toyota Camry and realized someone has taken a blunt object to your door window. You will notice glass is strewn throughout your car and you may feel a little violated. Or possibly it wasn't an act of vandalism, but you simply need to replace your front car door window for whatever reason. For about 150-200 bucks, you may just decide to have someone do this for you. However, if you have a little patience and a couple hours, you will find this task is surprisingly easily to do yourself. It will also cost you A LOT less than having someone do this simple task for you.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Flat-Head Screwdriver
• Phillips Screwdriver
• 10mm Socket Screwdriver

1. • 1

     First and foremost, you need a replacement window. Buying a new window from a local glass company will run you about $80.00. But if you want to save about $30, call your local junkyard/wrecking company and find a used window for about $50. Make sure you determine whether your broken window is bronze tinted or not bronze tinted. To determine this, place a piece of the broken window on a piece of white paper. The glass will reveal a greenish tint if it is NOT bronze tinted, and will of course look more bronze if it is bronze tinted.

   • 2

     So you now have your window. Next is the fun part. Before you begin tearing things apart, you may want to lay down a clothe or plastic tarp below the door to collect any broken glass pieces that fall while you are working. First, you need to get the inside door panel off. There two caps covering a couple phillip screws on the door panel, closest to the car. Pop the caps off with a flat-head screwdriver and remove the screws. There is also another cap by the inside door handle with a screw you will need to remove. If you have small door speakers by the handle (some Camrys do and some don't) you will find a screw under the mesh speaker cover you will need to remove. Remove the red saftely light from the door by prying each end with a flat head screwdriver and disconnect the wire from the light body. You may find a phillips screw within the light cavity of the door panel you will need to remove also. There will be two pins in the side of the panel farthest from the car that will need released. To do this, press the center of each pin to release the locking mechanism and pry the pins from the panel with a flat head screwdriver. So you should have about 5 screws and 2 pins removed. Be sure to check on the other edges of the panel to be sure you did not miss any. Next we will need to remove the door handle cover.

   • 3

     The next and trickiest step is removing the door handle cover from the door. The only tool you will need for this task is a flat head screw driver. Begin by inserting the screwdriver between the top of the door lock and the door handle trim. Pry the screwdriver down, to lift the panel away from the door lock. You really dont need to put much muscle into it, just play with it until it released. Once the top is released, insert a flathead screwdriver into the bottom between the door handle and the door handle trim. This time, pry the screwdriver up, pulling the frame down and out. Again, be patient and careful not to destroy your handle or trim. Use a piece of electrical tape on the screwdriver head to protect your car. Once you have the top and bottom of the handle trim released, pull the door handle outward and remove the trim piece. Grab the bottom of the door panel and pull with gentle force to release from the door frame. There are several plasic tabs that hold the panel to the frame. Once the panel is loose from the door, lift upward to completely remove the panel from the metal door. There will still be wires connecting the two parts, so gently let the panel hang. Lets replace the window next.

   • 4

     Start by carefully peeling the clear, dirty plastic from the door. This moisture protectant will be secured by a strip of sticky, black sealant. If youre car is a 1992 like mine, the black sealant may barely be securing anything. Without destroying it, just peal the plastic sheet about halfway towards the car so you can get into the door cavity where the window is. Use a screw driver to pry any broken glass from inside the window track/trim (the rubber track the window slides in) also. Before you forget, use a shop vac to vacuumm all of the broken glass from inside the door.

   • 5

     Turn the ignition on and roll the window mechanism down about half way so that you can see the window mount. Be sure to turn off the ignition and remove your key. You will see the 2 screws that hold the window to the window mount. Remove the old, broken window pieces from the mount using the 10mm socket driver or a phillips screwdriver. You're now ready to install the new window.

   • 6

     If you found your replacement window used or from a junkyard, you may want to clean the window before you install it. Obviously you can clean it much easier out of the car that you will be able to when it's installed. Begin by sliding the two mounting brackets down into the door frame where the window would go. Be sure you put the front part of the window into the window trim first and gently maneuver it until the back part of the window slides into the window trim. I know it sounds a little confusing, but just put the front of the window in first, that is the key. Once the window is in the trim, lower it until the two brackets on the window meet the window mount inside the door. Match up the holes and insert the screws, securing the new window. Turn on the ignition again and test to make sure the window moves up and down smoothly like it should. You're done. Because you've torn everything apart, putting it back together should be simple. Just follow the steps in reverse. Not only did you spite those bastards that broke your window, you also saved a ton of money. Good job!