Window Regulator Replacement
What is a door window regulator?
The door window regulator is a mechanism that raises and lowers the door window glass on both power and manually-operated window systems. Vehicles equipped with electric windows have an electric motor in each door. When the driver/passenger pushes the window-switch control panel, the window raises and lowers. This electric motor operates a mechanical linkage called the door window regulator, which is attached to the door's window glass.
How does the door window regulator work?
There are two general styles of window regulator. A scissor-type regulator used on many older vehicles includes a pair of intersecting metal arms that move when a gear is turned. This mechanism is usually made of all metal parts and is heavy. A lighter cable-type regulator slides a window up and down a metal track by way of a cable attached to a drive mechanism. The cable-type regulator is more common in late model vehicles. Both styles can be actuated either by a power motor, or by hand with a window crank.
A failing door window regulator can cause a window not to open or close. The window could also make a lot of noise or stick intermittently. Lastly, the window glass might drop inside the door.
What are the symptoms related to a bad door window regulator?
If one of the windows in a vehicle will not open or close properly, a failing door window regulator might be the cause. A window that is moving intermittently, or one that gets stuck on the way up or down, could also indicate a broken regulator. Other symptoms might include a clicking, chattering, or grinding noise when the window moves. In some cases a severely damaged window regulator could cause the window to drop inside the door.