How to Easily Fix Your Electric Car Window in 5 Steps

If your car’s electric windows are stuck open or shut, it can be a major inconvenience. Whether you can’t close them in case of rain or to secure valuables, or you’re unable to open them for fresh air or to hand over cash at a toll booth, a malfunctioning window is a hassle. Fortunately, with a few tools and some basic troubleshooting, you can often fix the problem yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to repair your electric car windows.

Step 1: Diagnose the Issue

The first step is to determine whether the problem is mechanical or electrical. If you press the window switch and hear or see the window trying to move, it’s more likely a mechanical issue. If you press the switch and nothing happens, or you don’t hear any noises coming from inside the door, it’s probably an electrical problem.

Step 2: Check the Fuse

If you suspect an electrical issue, locate and check the fuse for the problematic window motor. If it’s blown, replace the fuse. A blown fuse can indicate increased power draw due to a binding or worn mechanical component, so you should continue with the mechanical repair process once you replace the fuse.

Step 3: Remove the Door Panel

To access the window motor and regulator, you’ll need to remove the door panel. Locate the securing screws, usually behind covers or trim, and undo them. The process of removing the door panel will vary depending on your particular car.

Step 4: Check the Wiring

Once the door panel is removed, check the electrical input on the power and ground wires, which are generally the two largest wires connected to the window motor. Attach a multimeter to the wires, then activate the window switch with the car’s key in the on position. If you are getting power in both directions of the switch, then the electrical wiring to the motor is good, and the motor should be replaced. If you are not getting power to the motor wiring, then you need to check for power going to the window switch.

If power is going to the window switch but no power is coming out, replace the window switch. If you are not getting power to the window switch, it may indicate a larger electrical issue that a qualified mechanic will need to inspect.

Step 5: Repair or Replace Components

If the issue is mechanical, visually inspect cables or window guides for broken or misaligned pieces. If you see a loose or broken cable and hear the motor moving when you hit the window switch, the window regulator may need to be replaced.

If the cables are intact and the guides are aligned, the window motor may have stripped gears. Remove the motor from the regulator to check.

Replace or repair any parts that are broken or stuck, lubricate moving parts and window guides, and clean the window glass. Reinstall the door panel using the reverse process to how you removed the panel.

Once you’ve located the source of the problem, follow the same steps to clean, lubricate, and replace the pieces you undid earlier.

If you’re not comfortable performing the repairs yourself, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic. Power window repair can be a laborious task, and the parts alone can be expensive, ranging from $200 to $800 for a window regulator replacement.