Window Not Working? 9 Reasons Why Window Motors and Regulators Fail

Power windows are one of the best innovations in driving. They allow us to open our car windows with little effort. Simply touch a button on the car door and you can communicate with the person outside the car, let in fresh air or even more importantly, quickly grab that coffee or meal at the drive-thru. With power windows not working, you will not only find it difficult to operate your windows but also put your safety and the security of your vehicle at risk. Below, we discuss common causes of power window problems.

How Window Motors and Regulators Work

In the past, lowering or lifting car windows was a manual process involving gears in the car window and a handle you would crank to work the windows. Power windows simplified window operation. Simply touching a button on your car door works a small electric motor fastened on the inside of the door. The motor rotates in two directions. The motor works in one direction to lower the window and in the opposite direction to lower it. The motor is able to do this as it is attached to a system of cables and tracks known as the regulator.

Common Causes Of Power Window Problems

Engaged Child Lock

This is one of the most common issues with power windows but it is often overlooked. When child lock is engaged, the passengers sitting in the rear-seat will not be able to open their windows. Before you search for other solutions for your window not working be sure to check that child lock is not engaged in your vehicle.

Broken window regulator parts

Window regulators consist of various parts. The clops are what attach the glass to the regulator. These are made of plastic and can become brittle over time and break. Depending on the model of your vehicle and the type of regulator, you may be able to replace the individual clips.

Other parts such as the plastic guides and the rollers can also break. These cannot be replaced individually. A new regulator would have to be installed.

Burn out of the window motor

Lifting a car window glass up and down doesn’t seem like much, but it can put a significant strain on a 12 volt power window motor. This is especially under conditions such as frozen windows. The additional strain can overload the motor and cause it to burn out or weaken.

Stripped gears

Window motors have small fears that fit into the window regulator. If the gears are put under too much strain, they can strip. While it may sound like your window motor is working, the windows will not move without a functioning fear.

Worn window regulator cables

Window regulators feature twisted wire cables that are similar to those used for bicycle brakes. These cables can become worn over time. This is especially from heavy usage. They may even snap and break. This will stop the window from moving. You cannot replace individual cables in window regulators. You would have to install a new window regulator.

Damaged regulator gears

Gears in window regulators can be worn down and get stripped out. Some teeth may even break. This will result in the window getting stuck or not rolling up or down.

Dry channels

Metal channels in windows come lubricated when the car is new. With frequent use however, these channels begin to dry up. This increases friction and results in motor strain. It is a good idea to lubricate your channels regularly with white lithium grease or other similar lubricants.

Window switch problems

In cases of your window button not working, car switches may be the problem. The window switch may not be making a connection and thus the window will not work. Check to see if the master switch in the driver’s door is working.

Corroded connectors

Corroded electrical connectors cannot transmit electricity. The windows switch circuit won’t connect if the window connectors are corroded. There are cases where the corrosion can be cleaned off. In other instances the damaged wiring and connectors or the whole assembly will need to be replaced.

Call Us For Window Motor and Regulator Replacement

If your power windows are not working, get in touch with us, Protech Auto Glass. We provide fast and efficient car and power window repair Kirkland services. We’ll restore your windows and help you get back to your day to day routine.