How To Fix A Power Window Motor

Piece of cake Motorcar Window Repair and Regulator Replacement (DIY)

Updated: Apr. 28, 2021

Perform car window repair yourself and save hundreds on labor.

car-window-replacement-car-window-repairs-car-windows-repair-car-windows-replacement Family unit Handyman

A broken power window can exist an expensive repair, simply if you accept basic auto repair tools and access to an online service manual you can fix it yourself and save big bucks.

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Auto window repair: Replacing a regulator assembly on automatic windows

Car window repair: remove the switch panel

Photograph ane: Remove the switch panel

Pry out the switch panel and disconnect the electrical connectors to begin ability window repair. Then remove the door trim panel.

Car window repair: test the motor connector

Photo two: Exam the motor connector

Reconnect the switch panel and adhere the voltmeter test leads to the motor connector. Then toggle the window switch. If the switch is skillful, replace the regulator.

Car window repair: remove the window

Photo 3: Remove the window

Remove the glass-to-regulator bolts (if needed, cut the mechanical cables to enhance or lower the drinking glass). Tilt the window upward and out and set it in a condom place.

Car window repair: replace the regulator

Photo 4: Supplant the regulator

Remove regulator-to-door fasteners and snake the regulator out through one of the holes in the door. Install the new regulator.

And then ane of your power windows doesn't work. Rather than learning how to manually heighten a power window and lower it every time you desire some fresh air while driving, we'll bear witness you how to fix it.

Check the fuse get-go. If that's good, the problem is either a bad switch or motor or a broken regulator (the device that actually lifts and lowers the glass). What does window motor repair cost? A store will charge you at least a few hundred dollars to replace the motor/regulator, but you lot tin can practice a window regulator repair and ability window repair yourself in almost four hours. Regulators are bachelor online or at auto parts stores.

You demand a basic set of metric sockets, screwdrivers, a drill and most important, a subscription to an online service manual. That mode, you lot can download instructions and diagrams that are specific to your car. Utilize our instructions as a rough guide, and refer to your manual for specifics on auto window repair.

Showtime the auto window repair by removing all the trim console fasteners to admission the switch for testing. Remove the trim panel and peel off the vapor barrier. A trim console removal tool is inexpensive and saves yous a lot of time.

Reach into the door panel and disconnect the power connector to the window motor (article of clothing leather gloves to protect confronting cuts). Connect the leads of your voltmeter to the two terminals on the connector. Turn the key to the "on" position and toggle the window switch up and down. If the switch is good, y'all'll see the voltage reading change from plus-12 volts to minus-12 volts. That means the problem is the motor/regulator. If your meter doesn't display those readings, y'all've got a bad switch or a broken ability or footing wire. Download an electric diagram and check the ability and ground wires leading to the switch to isolate the problem.

For proper window motor replacement, you'll demand to replace the entire regulator assembly, not just the motor. Start by removing the window-to-regulator bolts (have someone hold the glass while you do this).

So remove the drinking glass past tilting information technology away from the door and lifting information technology out. Next, remove the regulator bolts or rivets (drill them out and serpent the onetime regulator out through one of the door console openings. Reverse the process to install the new regulator. Bolt the regulator in place and then reinstall the motor and window switch electric connectors and the window glass. Exam the window for proper operation. If the drinking glass binds, yous may have to loosen the bolts and make minor adjustments to the regulator. And so tighten everything and replace the vapor barrier and trim panel.

Regulator

This cutaway view shows the location of the regulator assembly inside the door panel.

Required Tools for automobile window replacement Projection

Have the necessary tools for machine window replacement project lined up earlier you start—you'll save time and frustration.

Yous'll also need a trim console removal tool, leather gloves, and a subscription to an online service transmission for your car.

Required Materials for this car window replacement Projection

Avoid last-minute shopping trips past having all your materials set up ahead of time. Here'southward a list.

Originally Published: December 12, 2018