Dustin Hawley | Mar 29, 2021
Gone are the days of rolling up your windows. Well, in the most literal sense, that is.
Modern car windows are ultra-convenient, so there’s no need to crank a hand roller anymore. At the press of a button, you can make your window roll up or down, allowing you to stay warm in your car or let in a cool breeze.
But these electronic gizmos sometimes stop working, either because something is blocking them or because of a more profound mechanical error. So while we have made immense technological advancements in recent decades, the truth remains that even automated rolling windows can sometimes run into issues that prevent them from functioning correctly.
Regardless of the root cause behind your malfunctioning window, this guide will tell you how to fix it when it won’t roll up, and dive into the various methods for getting your window back on track (literally).
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What is a door window regulator?
The door window regulator is a mechanism that raises and lowers the door window glass on both power and manually-operated window systems. Vehicles equipped with electric windows have an electric motor in each door. When the driver/passenger pushes the window-switch control panel, the window raises and lowers. This electric motor operates a mechanical linkage called the door window regulator, which is attached to the door's window glass.
How does the door window regulator work?
There are two general styles of window regulator. A scissor-type regulator used on many older vehicles includes a pair of intersecting metal arms that move when a gear is turned. This mechanism is usually made of all metal parts and is heavy. A lighter cable-type regulator slides a window up and down a metal track by way of a cable attached to a drive mechanism. The cable-type regulator is more common in late model vehicles. Both styles can be actuated either by a power motor, or by hand with a window crank.
What are the symptoms related to a bad door window regulator?
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.
Can I drive with a door window regulator problem?
A vehicle with a failed window regulator can be driven if weather conditions permit, but the window may be stuck open. If the window is loose it should be made stationary until the regulator can be replaced. Hold the window in place with tape for a temporary solution. Care should be exercised with a window that has come loose from the regulator to prevent the glass from breaking inside the door.
How often do door window regulators need to be replaced?
Window regulators are not a consumable item, but they do wear out. It is not uncommon to replace a regulator in a car with 100,000 miles.There is however no recommended frequency of replacement.