2012 Toyota Prius V Window Won't Go Up Or Down

Common Causes of Window Malfunctions in Your 2012 Toyota Prius V and How to Fix Them

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 2012 Toyota Prius V 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 malfunction or not operate at all.
  • 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 2012 Toyota Prius V 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.

How urgent is it to repair the malfunctioning window in my 2012 Toyota Prius V?

When it comes to repairing a malfunctioning window in your 2012 Toyota Prius V, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. A window that is stuck in a partially open or closed position not only compromises the security of your vehicle, making it more susceptible to theft, but it can also lead to further complications. For instance, during inclement weather, a malfunctioning window can allow rain, snow, or debris to infiltrate the interior, potentially damaging upholstery and electronic components. Moreover, if the window is completely inoperable, it can hinder proper ventilation, creating discomfort for passengers and obstructing the driver's visibility. Additionally, if the issue stems from electrical components like the power window motor or regulator, delaying repairs may exacerbate the problem, leading to more extensive and costly damage. Therefore, addressing the malfunctioning window promptly is crucial for maintaining the safety, security, and comfort of your vehicle and its occupants.

What are the common problems that could cause the window in a 2012 Toyota Prius V to stop working?

When dealing with a non-functioning window in a 2012 Toyota Prius V, it's essential to understand the common problems that could be at play. One of the primary culprits is a faulty window regulator, which is responsible for the mechanical movement of the window and can wear out over time, leading to operational issues. Another potential issue is a defective window switch; if this component fails, it may not send the correct signals to the window motor, preventing movement. Additionally, a blown fuse in the vehicle's fuse box can disrupt the power supply to the window motor, making it crucial to check and replace any blown fuses. The window motor itself can also fail, resulting in the window becoming stuck or inoperative. Wiring issues, such as damaged or corroded connections, can further complicate matters by interrupting the electrical flow needed for window operation. Lastly, alignment problems can cause the window to go off track, putting undue strain on the regulator and motor. By identifying and addressing these common issues, DIYers can effectively troubleshoot and resolve window problems in their Prius V.

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2012 Toyota Prius V Window Issues: Troubleshooting Guide