How to Fix A Car Window?
Is your auto window stuck open or closed? The issue might be as little as a blown fuse or as serious as a faulty regulator. Fortunately, with the appropriate tools and a little mechanical knowledge, you can get the window working again.
Step 1: Check The Seals And Gaskets
Weather, age, and natural wear and tear can cause the rubber trim surrounding the tiny area where the vehicle window nests to deteriorate. The window may stick open or close due to loose or damaged trimming. Check the rubber trims for wear before opening the door panel to inspect for internal mechanical or electrical faults and replace any damaged gaskets. If the gasket is loose, add 3M super glue to the loose spots and let it cure overnight. Make certain that the glass is not glued to the rubber trimming.
Step 2: Test For A Blown Fuse
A blown fuse is another typical cause of a broken window. If the fuse is blown, pressing the switch button will not move the window up or down. The good news is that this is generally a simple issue that can be resolved by just replacing the fuse. To find the fuse box, see your car's owner's handbook. To locate the defective fuse, utilize an automobile diagnostic light. When removing a blown fuse, make sure to switch off your vehicle's ignition and pull out the fuse with caution, being careful not to tamper with the other fuses and then replace the faulty fuse with a new one.
Step 3: Test The Switch Panel
If the fuse is ok but the window still does not move when you push the button, look at the motor connector in the switch panel. To remove the switch panel from the door, loosen the bolts around it. Connect the voltmeter to the motor on the switch panel and disconnect the motor connector from the rest of the door. Push the switch buttons when the car is turned on to see what happens. The voltmeter reading will shift from plus 12 volts to minus 12 volts if the switch panel is operational. If not, the switch may need to be replaced.
Step 4: Remove The Door Panel
When a car window does not operate, it is usually due to a defective motor/regulator mechanism that has to be replaced. You'll need to remove the inner door panel to check the regulator and motor. To separate the panel, locate and remove the bolts. Most panels are held in place by plastic clips in addition to metal fasteners. Instead of pulling the panel out with force, use a plastic popper to release it from the clips that keep it in place. Remove the waterproof lining to reveal the regulator's protective case and you might re-use the liner or replace it, depending on its condition.
Step 5: Remove The Glass From The Door
It is better to remove the window from the door before attempting to reach the regulator. Locate the bolts that keep the glass in place while the door panel is removed. The fasteners may be in different places depending on the style of the door, but they should be straightforward to find. To lower or raise the window, use the switch panel. If it doesn't work, try lifting the window out by hand. Ask someone to hold the window in place while you remove the bolts to avoid breaking the glass once all of the bolts are removed. If you have an artificial window tint, take extra care not to damage the film when you move the window.
Step 6: Check The Regulatory Assembly
The regulator is primarily responsible for the windows up and down movement. The regulating assembly might become defective due to normal wear and use. Remove the bolts that secure the regulator to the door casing. This will release the regulator that has been concealed beneath. Make a note of where each bolt was previously installed for simple replacement. Wiggle the old regulator out through one of the casing's holes. Replace the bolts in their proper places after inserting the replacement regulator through the same aperture. Remember to link the motor to the switch panel and the remainder of the door's electrical connections.
Step 7: Replace The Window
Replace the glass in its original position. Use the appropriate fasteners to secure it in place. Push the switch button once then the new regulator is in place to ensure that the window is operating correctly. Reinstall the waterproof liner, fastening it using butyl rubber tape or other automotive adhesives. Place the door panel in its proper position, ensuring careful to install the fasteners correctly.