Power windows go up and down with a flick of a switch, but cause a major inconvenience when they stop working. Good news is that fixing power windows doesn’t have to be an expensive procedure, and can be done with a few tools and by just about anyone or a professional window regulator repair service. In most cases power windows fail to perform due to a faulty motor, but it is important to make sure it is indeed this underlying problem.
Diagnosing a power window motor issue is fairly simple, and you can start by testing one of the power switches with the respective window it controls to see if it moves. So basically, if the window does not move and there is no sound coming from the door panel, there could be a problem with the fuse or motor. You will have to consult your owner’s manual to locate the power window fuse and ensure it is in good working order, and if it is, then it’s time to fix the power window motor.
Tools you will need to get the job done are a basic set of screwdrivers, metric sockets and most importantly access to a physical owner’s manual or online version. First you will have to remove the door panel to gain access to the power window motor, which is easily done by unfastening the screws that hold it in place. Once you’ve removed the door panel, you will have to locate the control switch panel, which might be tricky because some control switch panels are located over the window controls and others are integrated into the door panel.
In the case of the former, gently remove the respective screws and control switch panel gently as there will be wiring attached to it, and for the latter there is no panel to remove. Where there is a removable control panel, remove the electrical wiring gently, and set the control panel switch aside. Once you remove the door panel, you will see a plastic insulator set over the motor, regulator and wiring. This is there to protect these parts against water and dust and will have to be removed in order to gain access.
To start the motor removal process, gently tap on the window, but ensure it is fully closed or else it will fall during the motor removal process. Use a hammer or a center punch to remove the rivets that hold the regulator and attached motor in place, which generally should slide out though a gap in the door chassis in most vehicles. You can either purchase a new regulator and motor together or separately. Although you can save more by investing in the latter, it is best to buy the entire set because sometimes the regulator might have given up too.
When attaching the new motor, first lubricate its gear with a dab of grease. Then line the motor with the mounting holes and secure it with the rivets and or screws. Then complete the installation process the same way it all started. If the process is successful, your power windows should be running like brand new again.