How to repair your car’s power windows

As you drive down the turnpike and approach the toll booth, you reach for the switch to lower the window and nothing happens. The switch moves but the window does not move. You can’t even hear a noise from the window motor, which strongly suggests to you that the device is not working. You must stop your car and open the door to pay the attendant before continuing your journey. Thoughts of an expensive car repair bill are dancing in your head, putting you in a bad mood and tempering the anticipated fun of your getaway weekend. Don’t despair – you can repair the power window yourself and save big on expensive dealer fees. Let’s take a look at the steps you can take to fix the problem yourself and save a lot of cash in the process.

Before assuming that the window regulator must be replaced, you must first rule out the possibility of dirty electrical contacts. In most cars, main power for all switches goes through the main switch located on the driver’s console. Sometimes the switch is dirty and the window doesn’t work properly. If this is the case, follow the steps necessary to clean the contact and your issue should be resolved.

If you determine that the contacts are clean and your switch is working, then the motor has likely burned out and needs to be replaced. Whether you are installing a Honda window regulator or a Volkswagen Window Regulator, or a dimmer for any other, the steps required to replace a window dimmer are usually pretty similar:

1. Remove the door panel from the affected window.

2. Locate and remove the bolts holding the regulator to the door; you will likely have to manually lower the window to access the bolts.

3. Remove the old regulator, disconnect all wiring, and replace the old regulator with a new one purchased from a parts supplier. Shop online to find the best value, as you will pay a bargaining chip if you order one through a dealer.

4. Tighten the bolts holding the new regulator and reinstall the moisture barrier. Make sure all cables are put back into the door before closing the door panel.

5. Activate the power window switch and the new dimmer should work without hindrance.

Of course, follow your car repair manual for specific instructions.

I have given you a general outline to convince you that this is a task that even a novice mechanic can handle; in other words: you can do it! If you handle the problem yourself, you will save a lot of money by avoiding shops that will mark the replacement part and add several hours of labor costs to your bill. Shop online to compare prices and receive the best shipping and handling arrangements available.