Car Power Window Regulator Repair Tips (5 Easy Steps)

It is easy to take power windows for granted in a vehicle. When you press the button to lower or raise a door window, it conveniently slides up or down on its own. The days of cranking the window open or shut with manual force are over. But do you ever wonder which mechanisms inside the car door allow the window to move like this? Of course, electricity is the power source behind this movement. Since you aren’t manually cranking the window, the mechanisms that allow it to move must be powered by electricity. But what are these mechanisms?

The two main components of power window technology are the motor and regulator. Surprisingly, the regulator component was also used in the hand crank windows too. This is the mechanical component which is responsible for moving the window up or down. In older cars, the hand crank is what activated the regulator. But in the power window technology, the electric motor is what activates the regulator. If either the motor or regulator was to malfunction, then you’d need to have it repaired or replaced. Otherwise, you won’t be able to control your power windows anymore.

5 Simple Steps

The benefit of the older hand crank models was that you didn’t have to worry about a motor going bad. The only part that you had to worry about was the regulator. However, we live in the age of convenience and people love the effortless method of controlling their windows. If the motor goes bad in the door, there isn’t much you can do other than replace it. But it is possible to repair the regulators if those go bad. Then you can save money by not having to replace the entire thing.

To help you with your repair work, below are the top 5 steps for repairing car power window regulators. They may look simpler to perform than they really are. If you are not a mechanical person, then it is advised that you go to an auto mechanic who can do this job for you.

1) Remove Inside Door Panel

Removing the inside door panel is the first step. This is the only way that you’ll gain access to the inner power window components of the door. The motor, regulator, and electrical connections are in there. A screwdriver should work for this, preferably an electric screwdriver.

2) Disconnect Electrical Connection

Once you’ve gained access to the inside of your door, you’ll want to disconnect the electrical connection. Make sure the vehicle has been off for hours before you even attempt to do this. Read the owner’s manual or ask an expert if you’re not sure about this. Basically, you’re removing the motor from the door so that it is no longer connected to the regulator.

3) Replace Regulator

If you successfully removed the motor, the next step is to take out the regulator. You’ll need to remove the glass first before you remove the regulator. Make sure you have another person to help you because they will need to hold the glass as you disconnect the regulator. Otherwise, the glass may fall and break. If you successfully removed the glass and regulator, now you can work on the regulator and make the necessary repairs to it. You can also replace the regulator if necessary. In either case, just put the repaired or new regulator back in your door. Don’t forget to reinstall the window too.

4) Reinstall the Motor

After the regulator is back in the door, you need to reconnect the electrical connections and the motor. Again, double check to ensure the connects are made right or else the power window regulator won’t receive the power it needs to function.