How To Repair Automotive Power Windows

Video: How to Fix Power Window (Regulator Assembly) in Your Car

Content

Steps
Method 1 of 4: Gaskets
Method 2 of 4: Electrical Problems
Method 3 of 4: Bad Switch
Method 4 of 4: Power Window Motors
Warnings
What do you need

If you have electric (powered) windows in your car, a situation may arise where you press a button and the window does not move. There are several main reasons for this. Power windows have mechanical systems that are similar to those used in non-power windows, but require a power source to move them without using your hands. The problem could also be from a blown fuse. Find out in the user manual what to look for. Once you diagnose the problem, you should be able to fix it with some basic tools.

Steps

1 Determine where the problem occurred by troubleshooting, for example, determining if there is a breakdown in only one window or in all.
2 Use the user manual to locate and open the fuse box.
3 Refer to your owner's manual to find the correct replacement fuse.
4 Pull the fuse out of the clip carefully, without twisting it and pulling it out forcefully. There are special fuse pliers available at tool stores that can help.
5 Find a new fuse with the correct voltage for the hoist mechanism.
6 Carefully insert the new fuse into the fuse box, pushing all the way in until the fuse catches and wobbles.
7 Close the fuse box.
8 Power up your car (you don't need to start it) and check the windows.

Method 1 of 4: Gaskets

1 Check the window seals and gaskets; they create an airtight seal when the window is raised and prevent rain from entering. They also help reduce noise from outside.
2 Use glue to fix any small tears and cut the corners with a razor.
3 Check the entire gasket for foreign objects that could get stuck in the window.
4 Clean the gasket with lacquer thinner.
5 Lubricate the entire gasket with silicone spray.
6 Replace the entire gasket if necessary.
7 Recheck the window.

Method 2 of 4: Electrical Problems

1 Find the wiring diagram for your vehicle either in the owner's manual or on the internet.
2 Start at the fuse panel, check the wiring from there to the switch, and check to see if the tester is showing 12 volts all over the place.
3 Continue ringing the wiring from the engine to the switch and check for 12 volts all along the line.
4 Identify voltage loss caused by a bad connector or corrosion in the wiring that will tell you where the electrical problem is.
5 Connect the connector to the damaged area and check the window.

Method 3 of 4: Bad Switch

1 Locate the elevator switch panel.
2 Open the switch panel according to the instructions in the user manual.
3 Use a voltmeter to examine each connector to check voltage.
4 Check the wiring of each switch that has low voltage and tighten any loose connections.
5 Use the switch (if wiring ok) on the other door to check if the switch is faulty and check the lift.

Method 4 of 4: Power Window Motors

1 Reach the power window motor by removing the door panel (opening handles and protective panels may need to be removed, so follow the directions given in the manual).
2 Test the engine by installing a jumper between the positive battery terminal and the positive side of the engine, or the motor plug with a voltmeter, and flip the toggle switch forward and backward at the same time. The probes should light up alternately.
3 Make sure the window moves freely during this test and that there are no slow sections or brakes.
4 Remove and, if necessary, replace the inoperative engine.

Warnings

If it is necessary to replace the power window motor, work with extreme caution. Your fingers can easily get caught inside the door panel or power window motor assembly. The motor spins very quickly and can cut off your finger if it is running and your fingers get caught in it. To safely remove the power window motor, the link arms must be clamped in a vise when the springs and motor are removed.