Fix a Broken Electric Car Window
Electric windows are found in all sorts of vehicle these days, including farm equipment. While they are convenient, allowing the driver to open and close windows at will to circulate air, they also serve an important safety role, giving a driver the ability to roll up windows quickly in an emergency. With so many power car windows, there are bound to be mechanical failures. While time consuming, repairing electric windows is well within the ability of a backyard mechanic, once the problem is narrowed down. The easiest way to track down the problem is to eliminate the most obvious, a bad fuse or wiring. The steps for fixing power windows are arranged in order of difficulty. If one solution doesn't work, move on to the next.
Steps
- Locate the fuse box, usually under the dashboard near the steering wheel, and check for blown fuses, easily identified by a break in the metallic strip running up the center of the clear fuse.
- Replace the fuse and see if that fixed the car window.
- You will probably need a flashlight to check the fuses.
- Check for loose wires going into or coming out of the fuse box. Tighten any you find and see if the electric window works.
- Check the window control switch. If it's dirty, clean it and see if the window works.
- If not, remove the whole switch panel and check those electrical connections.
- If that doesn't fix it, release the safety connector
- Disconnect the unit. Set aside.
- Remove plastic access panels on the door following manufacturer's directions. This usually involves locating and removing door panel mounting bolts. Carefully disconnect any electrical wires in order to remove the entire door panel.
- Pull back insulation, if your car has it, to expose the electric window motor. Use an automotive test light to check all of the electrical wiring in the door.
- Be sure the test light is grounded before testing begins.
- Tape the window glass in place in the closed position using masking tape to prevent it slipping down while working with the window motor and regulator.
- Depending on the vehicle, you may need to remove the window in order to replace the window regulator assembly.
- Replace electric window motor if necessary, following instructions included with the new motor.
- Take the window regulator out of the door panel by removing the mounting bolts. Inspect the regulator and if necessary replace it, matching the new unit with the old one.
- Some windows, mainly in older cars, have rivets instead of bolts to hold the window motor in place. In order to remove rivets, a punch a hammer and a drill are needed.
- Return the motor back in place, assemble the parts by following the steps backwards.
- Remove masking tape, and check window operation to make sure it is working properly. Make necessary adjustments before reassembling door.
Things You'll Need
- Flashlight
- Car fuses
- Screwdriver
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Automotive test light
- Electric window motor
- Masking tape
- Window housing
- Punch hammer (optional)
- Drill (optional)
