An inoperative power window, particularly on the driver’s door, is a hassle to deal with. Instead of a simple push of a button, you’ll need to open your door for all those little tasks like tossing in a toll token or getting a burger from the drive thru.
Repairing your power windows yourself can be a worthwhile and money-saving endeavor in most cases. We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks that you can use when performing power car window repairs.
If none of the windows work except the driver’s window, first check the position of the child safety lockout switch. If the lockout switch isn’t engaged, it’s time to diagnose.
You can try a quick body control module (BCM) reset to bring the windows back to life. Note, however, that this usually doesn’t work, but it doesn’t cost anything to try it first. If the windows work after the reset, you’ve just saved yourself a good amount of time. If the problem persists even after a key-off and restart, then proceed with power window diagnosis or take your vehicle to a shop.
Testing your windows helps you gauge where the problem might be coming from. Try to open and close each window in turn, then all at once through your driver-side control panel (of course, if you’re the person who drives the vehicle, you’ve typically already done this in the general course of operating the vehicle). If all of the windows aren’t functioning, it’s likely some sort of electrical issue connected to your fuses or the child lockout switch, which you should have already checked to make sure it’s in the right position. If only select windows aren’t operating, it’s likely a problem with the individual mechanisms inside the doors.
In the case of an electrical issue, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse, which is a relatively easy fix. At some point though, testing for electrical issues can become more complicated, requiring a voltmeter or test light.
You might also need to take a look inside the individual door panels to look for mechanical issues. You can check on the reel and cable window regulators and other parts while you’re in there.
We can’t emphasize this enough though: Be careful when checking inside the door panels. Power window motors produce enough torque to damage your fingers.
If you hear a grinding noise whenever you use your power windows, at least one of the window motors might be malfunctioning. Listen to each window as you operate it to identify the source of the grinding.
Dents in your vehicle’s door can prevent the windows from rolling up or down properly. If your vehicle’s been in an accident recently, check to see if there are dents affecting your windows.
The surface of your power windows might have grown rigid over time. If this is the case, you can use silicone spray to lubricate the flocked run where the windows travel, so that they open and close more easily.
As you can see, the cause behind your power window issue will affect how you need to go about your repairs. If you aren’t confident about your repair skills, we recommend reaching out to a trusted mechanic for help. But if you decide to do your power window repairs yourself, you’re at least a little more prepared, thanks to these tips and tricks.
If you’ve narrowed down the cause of the problem to a bad window regulator, you can follow the general guidelines below to replace it:
For more information, check out this short video by Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician on power windows:
Different parts like the window motor, window regulator, and window switch work together to enable seamless operation of the power window. If one of these parts fails, it can cause problems for the others. Don’t worry. Whether it’s a motor, regulator, switch, or another power window part, CarParts.com can ship it to your home.
At CarParts.com, our on-hand window regulators, window motors, and window switches are ready to ship from our nearest distribution center. You can get your new parts in as fast as two business days if you live in the continental US and order before 12:00 pm ET. We only source our products from brands trusted by drivers across the US, ensuring you get power window parts that you can depend on. Furthermore, we make it easy to find the right power window part for your vehicle–simply enter the required details in our website’s vehicle selector and browse the results.
Make CarParts.com your one-stop shop for replacement power window parts. Pick among our selection of window regulators, window motors, window switches, and get yours today!
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.