Window Regulator Motor Replacement
What is a door window motor?
On vehicles equipped with power windows, the door window motor operates the window regulator, which is the mechanism that raises and lowers the door window glass.
How does the door window motor work?
The electric window motor on older cars featured an electrical circuit that was activated by pressing the window switch in the passenger compartment. When the switch was pressed, an electrical circuit would close and operate the motor. Modern vehicles employ an electronic signal originating from an onboard computer (electronic control unit, or ECU) to trigger the window motor. In addition to being actuated by the window switch, newer systems also allow the window to be controlled by a signal from the key fob.
Due to a failing door window motor, the window may not open or close. It could also work intermittently.
Problems with power windows are commonly caused by faults in the switches or wiring. The switches and wiring should be checked thoroughly before replacing a window motor.
What are the symptoms related to a bad door window motor?
If the door window motor fails, the window may not open or close, or it may operate intermittently. Traditionally, problems with power windows were caused by faulty switches or electrical wiring - especially the wires running between the door and the vehicle body that are subjected to repeated flexing. In these cases, the window might operate intermittently when the door is opened and closed. While this may still be the case on newer cars, it is increasingly common to find window motor problems that originate with a control module. Still, the switches and wiring should be checked thoroughly before replacing a window motor.
Can I drive with a door window motor problem?
It is possible to drive a vehicle with a faulty window motor, depending on weather conditions, since the window may be stuck in the down position. Your vehicle may also be vulnerable to theft if the window is left down.
How often do door window motors need to be replaced?
Window motors are generally reliable and do not need to be replaced very often. If a window motor is integrated into a window regulator that fails, then the motor and regulator will need to be replaced together.
How are door window motor issues diagnosed?
A technician will being diagnosis of a faulty window motor by actuating the switch and listening for sound from the motor. If there is no sound, a technician will first check the relevant fuse. Next, a technician might observe the interior dome light while operating the switch. If the dome light dims, the motor is likely to be broken. For final verification of a bad motor, the door trim panel will need to be removed so that the wiring harness connector to the motor can be checked for voltage. A technician may even be able to use a professional diagnostic scan tool to locate a potential problem with the vehicle's wiring in a late model vehicle.
How is a door window motor replaced?
Replacement of a window motor depends on the type of vehicle and style of window regulator. Generally, a technician will remove the interior door trim panel, taking care not to damage the latch cable or any electrical wiring that is attached. Next, the door vapor barrier is removed. The window is disconnected from the regulator (this may be difficult if the regulator or motor are not functioning properly) and either held in place or removed from the door. Finally, the regulator is removed from the door and the faulty motor is exchanged for a new one. If the motor is integrated into the window regulator, the entire assembly will have to be replaced.
RepairPal Recommendations for door window motor issues
RepairPal recommends that a repair manual be referenced before removing an interior door trim panel to prevent damage to the retaining clips, electrical wiring, and latch cable. On some vehicles, the window regulator may have to be replaced with the window motor. A manual can also give important information for resetting the control module on some vehicles.