I've read the excellent instructions to fix the regulator and I've even fashioned the new piece. My problem is that I cannot get the regulator out of the door!
The window is fully up in the track and the sled is stuck. How do I get the regulator out?
Can I pull on the cable using pliers to get it to move down?
Is there a post that details how to get the regulator out?

Thanks for the help (I really need it!),
Greg

I just sat down here after doing the same fix on my passenger side rear window. My sled moved easily so I got the regulator out.

Are you talking about the front or rear window?

If it is the rear, I think it is much easier with the sled down. Have you unclamped the glass from the sled? In the up position, there are holes in the door that give you access to two screws that clamp the glass. Don't remove the screws, just loosen them a few turns.

If you can't move the sled, can you get a mirror and light and see if the cable is tangled?

It may also be possible to use the power window switch in the door to have the motor pull the sled down.

I found it a bit of a squeeze to get the top stud out of the hole but it came out with care and some persuasion.

The top cable, the one that holds the window up, is the usual failure. That causes the window to fall down, as there is no longer anything to hold it up. This is for the rear regulator. If your window is still up, something else is holding it in place so you may have to do a visual inspection to see what it in the way.

If you're having problems with the front window, that generally is a different issue.

If this is the rear regulator (which it usually is) there are three bolts that hold the regulator to the door. They are #10 metric size nuts and are silver coloured. Usually the window drops on it'* own when the cable snaps and in order to repair it you do have to remove the entire assembly from the door. I had to do mine about 4 times so it'* easy for me to explain the process if you need any further help. Just make sure you don't tighten the bolts holding the glass to the sled too tight, or you may shatter the glass! Are you going to fix the current regulator with the "stanley clamp" mod or just replace it with a new/used one?

It'* the front Driver'* window. I'm planning to use the "Stanley clamp" method -- I've already fabricated the piece.
The cable appears to be in one piece. I guess it must be hung up at the top because it won't budge. I'll get a mirror and a light and check it out.

Assuming that I successfully free the sled will it go into free fall? I've seen where one used duct tape to secure the window glass at the top of the track. Is this the preferred method or do you allow the window to slide (gently) down to the bottom of the track?

Thanks for helping a newbie.

Greg, the front regulators often become bound up mechanically, not allowing the window to go up or down. The easiest fix that sometimes works, without removing the door panel is to slam the door hard, while holding the window switch in the down position. It may take a couple of times. If that doesn't work, remove the door panel, then remove the 3 screws that hold the motor onto the regulator assembly, remove the motor (you'll likely hear it "pop"), then replace the motor and screws. It will likely start working again. May want to lube things up while you're in there with some good silicone based grease.

I already have the door apart so I'll try popping the motor out.

IF that is unsuccessful and I am able to free the sled to move down: where do you want the glass when removing the regulator? Is it best to have the window at the bottom of the track?

Thanks for all of the help.

These are the instructions from removing the regulator. Front Window Regulator Replacement.
If the motor doesn't work when it is removed from the regulator, you could have a bad motor, or door module.

VICTORY!

Thanks to everyone, and especially Archon, the driver'* front power window is now powering! I pulled the motor and reinstalled it. Applied power and it moved the window up or down 3 inches then jammed. I knew it was the cable and I could see it hanging away from the spool down below.
I then removed the regulator (after taping the window in the up position) and saw the cable had come off of the lower tensioner spool, the entire assembly was not very well lubricated, and one of the cables had crossed another on the main spool.
I looped the cable around the lower, tensioned spool and slowly moved the sled up and down the track. The cable on the main spool wound itself back on properly (now that the cable was under tension again) and everything appeared well. The cable was in good condition without breaks, crimps, or fraying.
I liberally applied lubrication to the unit in all friction areas and worked it in by manually moving the sled from high to low.
I reinstalled the regulator into the door and applied power. Voila! It worked. I moved the sled up to cradle the glass, removed the securing tape, and powered it up and down. It works! I heard a squeaking as the window rose up 2/3 of the way. Upon inspection I saw a 1" portion of the rubber window guide on the inside of the window frame had torn and the glass was rubbing against the underlying metal. I slipped a piece of duct tape over the torn area and the window goes up soundlessly.

Thanks for all of the help, y'all. For one: I saved a lot of money fixing this myself. Two: I have the pride of fixing it myself!
I praise the Lord (I pray a lot when doing home/car repairs) and you for helping me make this project a success.

Woot!

Great news Greg! Congratulations and good job!