Lexus RX350 Window Won't Go Up Or Down

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Lexus RX350 Windows and Effective Fixes for When They Won't Move

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
36% chance it's the
Fuse, Relay or Electrical System
0%
20% chance it's the
Window Motor
0%
24% chance it's the
Window Regulator
0%
20% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a Lexus RX350 window won't go up or down are window's electrical system such as a fuse or relay, a broken window motor, or a broken window regulator.
  • Fuse, Relay or Electrical System: A blown fuse or a faulty relay can disrupt the electrical circuit, causing components to fail or operate intermittently.
  • Window Motor: A faulty window motor or a broken window regulator can prevent the window from moving up or down properly.
  • Window Regulator: A faulty window regulator can cause the window to become stuck or operate erratically due to worn gears or a broken cable.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a Lexus RX350 window won't go up or down?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

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.

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.

When a switch can not make contact and close the circuit, the window cannot be raised and lowered. If the switch on the driver's door will not raise or lower the window in question, but the switch on the corresponding door works just fine, this is a good indication that there is a switch failure. This works the other way around, as well. If the switch on the door does not cause the window to function, but the driver's switch does, that is an indication of a passenger door window switch failure.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

Troubleshooting Window Issues in a Lexus RX350

When faced with window issues in your Lexus RX350, it's essential to adopt a diagnostic approach that prioritizes simpler fixes first. Start by checking if the 12-volt battery has been replaced or disconnected, as this can affect window functionality. If the windows require you to hold the switch to operate, a reset may be necessary. To perform a window control reset, run each window all the way up and down using the switches on each door, which helps recalibrate the window's position on the track. Additionally, ensure that you test the window switches on all doors, as the problem may be isolated to a specific switch rather than the entire system. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider following a window reset procedure, which typically takes around 15 seconds and is particularly useful after any battery work. By systematically addressing these potential causes, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve window issues in your Lexus RX350 without needing professional assistance.

What to Check When Your Lexus RX350 Window Won't Go Up or Down?

When faced with a Lexus RX350 window that won't go up or down, it's essential to systematically check several common problems that could be at play. Start by examining the electrical system, particularly the fuse and relay, as these are often the culprits behind window malfunctions. A blown fuse can interrupt the power supply, while a faulty relay may fail to send the necessary signals to the window motor. Next, inspect the window motor itself; if it's broken or malfunctioning, it can prevent the window from operating smoothly or cause erratic behavior. Additionally, the window regulator is another critical component to consider, as a damaged regulator can hinder the window's movement entirely. Lastly, if you've recently disconnected or replaced the 12-volt battery, this could lead to temporary issues with the power windows, requiring you to hold the switch to fully operate the windows. By methodically checking these areas, you can effectively diagnose and potentially resolve the window operation issues in your Lexus RX350.

Why is it Critical to Fix a Non-Operating Window in a Lexus RX350?

Addressing a non-operating window in your Lexus RX350 is not just a matter of convenience; it is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. A malfunctioning window can significantly impair your visibility while driving, increasing the risk of accidents during critical maneuvers. Moreover, an inoperative window compromises the security of your vehicle, making it an easy target for theft or unauthorized access. The potential for weather-related damage is another concern, as rain or snow can infiltrate the car, leading to costly interior repairs. Additionally, the comfort of your passengers is at stake; functional windows are essential for proper ventilation and climate control, ensuring a pleasant driving experience. Lastly, neglecting this issue can adversely affect the resale value of your Lexus RX350, as prospective buyers are likely to be deterred by any signs of disrepair. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the repair of a non-operating window to maintain safety, security, comfort, and the overall integrity of your vehicle.

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