1997 Volkswagen Passat Window Regulator Motor Replacement Cost

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.