Easy Car Window Repair and Regulator Replacement (DIY)

Updated: Apr. 28, 2021

Perform car window repair yourself and save hundreds on labor.

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A broken power window can be an expensive repair, but if you have basic auto repair tools and access to an online service manual you can fix it yourself and save big bucks.

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Car window repair: Replacing a regulator assembly on automatic windows

Car window repair: remove the switch panel

Photo 1: Remove the switch panel

Pry out the switch panel and disconnect the electrical connectors to begin power window repair. Then remove the door trim panel.

Car window repair: test the motor connector

Photo 2: Test the motor connector

Reconnect the switch panel and attach the voltmeter test leads to the motor connector. Then toggle the window switch. If the switch is good, replace the regulator.

Car window repair: remove the window

Photo 3: Remove the window

Remove the glass-to-regulator bolts (if needed, cut the mechanical cables to raise or lower the glass). Tilt the window up and out and set it in a safe place.

Car window repair: replace the regulator

Photo 4: Replace the regulator

Remove regulator-to-door fasteners and snake the regulator out through one of the holes in the door. Install the new regulator.

So one of your power windows doesn’t work. Rather than learning how to manually raise a power window and lower it every time you want some fresh air while driving, we’ll show you how to fix it.

Check the fuse first. If that’s good, the problem is either a bad switch or motor or a broken regulator (the device that actually lifts and lowers the glass). What does window motor repair cost? A shop will charge you at least a few hundred dollars to replace the motor/regulator, but you can do a window regulator repair and power window repair yourself in about four hours. Regulators are available online or at auto parts stores.

You need a basic set of metric sockets, screwdrivers, a drill and most important, a subscription to an online service manual. That way, you can download instructions and diagrams that are specific to your car. Use our instructions as a rough guide, and refer to your manual for specifics on auto window repair.

Start the auto window repair by removing all the trim panel fasteners to access the switch for testing. Remove the trim panel and peel off the vapor barrier. A trim panel removal tool is inexpensive and saves you a lot of time.

Reach into the door panel and disconnect the power connector to the window motor (wear leather gloves to protect against cuts). Connect the leads of your voltmeter to the two terminals on the connector. Turn the key to the “on” position and toggle the window switch up and down. If the switch is good, you’ll see the voltage reading change from plus-12 volts to minus-12 volts. That means the problem is the motor/regulator. If your meter doesn’t display those readings, you’ve got a bad switch or a broken power or ground wire. Download an electrical diagram and check the power and ground wires leading to the switch to isolate the problem.

For proper window motor replacement, you’ll need to replace the entire regulator assembly, not just the motor. Start by removing the window-to-regulator bolts (have someone hold the glass while you do this).

Then remove the glass by tilting it away from the door and lifting it out. Next, remove the regulator bolts or rivets (drill them out and snake the old regulator out through one of the door panel openings. Reverse the procedure to install the new regulator. Bolt the regulator in place and then reinstall the motor and window switch electrical connectors and the window glass. Test the window for proper operation. If the glass binds, you may have to loosen the bolts and make minor adjustments to the regulator. Then tighten everything and replace the vapor barrier and trim panel.

Regulator

This cutaway view shows the location of the regulator assembly inside the door panel.

Required Tools for car window replacement Project

Have the necessary tools for car window replacement project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Cordless drill
  • Socket/ratchet set
  • Voltage tester
You’ll also need a trim panel removal tool, leather gloves, and a subscription to an online service manual for your car.

Required Materials for this car window replacement Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

  • Regulator assembly