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How Do I Repair My Car?
/ How Do I Replace My
Window Motor?
How Do I Check and Replace My Electric Power Window Motor?
For those of us who have owned vehicles with manual windows and have had to hang
over the passenger side trying to roll down the window to talk to a friend as you
leave from the curb, power windows are a blessing. But when electric windows stop
working where do you look? The window is controlled by four main parts; the window
motor, the window regulator, the part that holds the window and the control switch.
When you move the switch one way or the other, an electrical current is sent to
the window motor forcing the window to go up or down depending on the direction
of the switch. Most window control systems are powered by a thermo fuse. A thermo
fuse will cut power to the window circuit if too much electrical draw is being used.
This serves as a safety device and helps keep the wiring from overloading due to
over usage. Always wear protective safety goggles and gloves before work begins.
(Warning: some electric window regulators are equipped with
a helper spring that can have tension, use caution when disassembling)
READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING!
Step 1 - Removing door access panels
First remove all plastic access panels and screw hole covers.
Step 2 - Remove Control Switch Panel
Pry gently to remove the switch panel, (do not break). Removing the switch panel
is different in all cars. Some vehicles don't have a switch panel because it is
built into the door panel.
Step 3 - Disconnect electrical connector
After the switch panel is removed, release the connector safety and disconnect
the electrical connector.
Step 4 - Removing door panel mounting bolts
Locate and remove all door panel mounting bolts and/or screws. Some door panels
use plastic push style fasteners. After all door panel fasteners have been removed
gently pull up and/or out on the panel and remove it. Remove all electrical connectors
to fully separate the panel from the door.
Step 5 - Remove plastic insulator
Most car doors have a weather and sound insulator which when pulled back, will
expose the inner workings of the door. In this photo you can see the door lock manual
control rod.
Step 6 - Release window motor electrical connector and identify components
Prepare for electrical circuit test. Release the safety clip and remove electrical
connector.
Step 7 - Testing the window motor electrical circuit
Reconnect the window control switch panel. With the electrical connector disconnected,
insert automotive test light (test light is grounded to body) into either side of
the connector. Turn key to the on position (do not start the vehicle). Actuate the
switch in both directions. The test light should light up in one direction. Repeat
this operation for the remaining electrical terminal. Next, switch the test light
lead to battery positive and repeat test. The test light should light in both directions
but on opposite sides of the connector.
Step 8 - Taping and holding window in place
You must tape the window to prevent the window from moving. We use masking tape. This is used to keep
the window in place while the window motor and regulator is removed. If tape or
some other means of holding the window is not used, the window could slide down
and cause damage or injury.
Step 9 - Removing window motor and window regulator
Remove all window mounting and regulator mounting bolts.
Step 10 - Remove window regulator.
Remove window regulator after all of the window and window regulator mounting
bolts have been removed.
Step 11 - Identify Window Regulator
After the window regulator has been removed thoroughly inspect and match the
old window regulator to the new window regulator. Make sure all mounting bolts and
window motor are in the exact same location. Reinstall new window regulator and
reassemble door. There are minor adjustments for the window rails to reposition
the window. Check the window operation and look for hard spots and clicking noises
when the window is traveling up or down. A minor adjust may be required.
Common Problems
- The window motor shorts out and stops working or works very slowly.
- The window control switch short circuits due to excessive amperage draw.
How Do I Repair My Car?
/ How Do I Replace My
Window Motor?
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