How to fix a stuck power window: 3 practical steps

If you've got a power window on your car that's stuck you don't have to drive over to a garage. You can fix your stuck power window on your own in an afternoon. Here's how to do it in three practical steps.

• When one of your power windows is stuck, the first thing to check is the fuse.
• If it's good, the problem is either a bad switch or motor or a broken regulator (the device that actually lifts and lowers the glass).
• For this job you'll need a voltmeter, a basic set of metric sockets, screwdrivers, a drill and most important, a subscription to an online service manual.
• This sort of subscription allows you to download instructions and diagrams that are specific to your car.
• The instructions in this article are good as a rough guide, but you should refer to a manual for your particular make of car for specifics.

• First, remove all the trim panel fasteners to access the switch for testing.
• Remove the trim panel and peel off the vapour barrier.
• A trim panel removal tool is cheap (about $5 at auto parts stores) and saves you a lot of time.

• Reach into the door panel and disconnect the power connector to the window motor (wear leather gloves to protect against cuts).
• Connect the leads of your voltmeter to the two terminals on the connector.
• Turn the key to the "on" position and toggle the window switch up and down.
• If the switch is good, you'll see the voltage reading change from plus 12 volts to minus 12 volts.
• That means the problem is the motor/regulator.
• If your meter doesn't display those readings, you've got a bad switch or a broken power or ground wire.
• Download an electrical diagram and check the power and ground wires leading to the switch to isolate the problem.

• If you need to remove the window's regulator, you first need to remove the glass.
• Tilt the glass away from the door and lift it out to remove it.
• Next, remove the regulator bolts or rivets.
• Drill these bolts out and snake the old regulator out through one of the door panel openings.
• Reverse that procedure to install the new regulator.
• Bolt the new regulator in place and then reinstall the motor and window switch electrical connectors and the window glass.
• Test the window for proper operation.
• If the glass binds, you may have to loosen the bolts and make minor adjustments to the regulator.
• Then tighten everything and replace the vapour barrier and trim panel.

Keep this helpful how to in mind next time you have to fix a stuck power window to have an easier time getting the job done.