Welcome Rondo, the windows are designed to lower when you actuate the door handle because when they are up they tuck under the top side lip. After the door is closed they should raise automatically and slide back under the top. It's probably a switch in the door. My 98 had a rattle, opening a door panel isn't too bad depending on your abilities, it's certainly tougher than an oil change. Lastly, the best thing to restore the plastic window IMO, is Plexus.
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