How to Replace Window Motor？

A window motor is responsible for ensuring your car’s windows move up and down. If it breaks down, then your window may not be able to work as efficiently. In some cases, your window may drop down. One thing that any car expert can advise you is not to drive a vehicle with a stuck-down window.

Debris, hail, rain, or exhaust fumes may get into the car, causing problems. The best way to address the window motor issue is to replace it. Here is a simple guide on how you can replace your window motor.

Step-by-step guide on replacing a window motor

Replacing a window motor may seem like a daunting task. However, you can do it yourself with only a few essential tools and the right instructional manual. The simple tasks involve removing objects orderly and replacing the bad motor with a good one. Below are the simple steps you can use to replace the motor:

Prepare all the necessary tools

The first step to replacing a window motor involves ensuring you have all the necessary tools. First, ensure you already have a new motor. In some cases, a motor often comes with a new window regulator. Other tools you may need include:

• Rubber mallet
• Grease/tape market
• Plastic panel removal pry tools
• Screwdriver
• Wrenches or a socket set
• Razor blade

Also, please park your car on a hard and flat surface. A hard and flat surface ensures you can avoid any unnecessary accidents.

Remove the door panel

A window motor’s location is on the interior of the door panel. Thus, to access it, you will need to remove the door panel. Most cars have a plastic-interior fastener that holds the door panel in place. Manufacturers may use bolts, plastic, or metal screws to hold the interior panels.

Thus, you need to make sure you confirm your car’s specific interior door fastener. If you cannot find it, inquire from a site-specific vehicle forum or YouTube. You can also check your car’s service manual to find the type of fastener the manufacturers used.

In most cases, a manufacturer may hide the screws under decorative fabric buttons. Make sure you are meticulous in identifying the fastener. Then proceed to get the right pry tools to remove the door panel.

Once you have the right pry tools, turn the bolts or screws in a clockwise direction to loosen them. Make sure to take your time to ensure you remove all the fasteners. Then pull the interior panel off the door.

Remove the plastic cover

To access the bad window motor, you will need to remove the plastic cover present on the door panels behind. The plastic cover’s primary role in the car is to ensure that no water gets into the interior of the door from below or above. Also, note that you will need to place the cover back when reinstalling the panel.

Remove it gently if you do not want to buy a new plastic cover. However, if you have no problem buying another one, use a razor blade to help you remove the plastic cover.

Access the window mounting bolts

In most cars, the location of the window mounting bolts is rather apparent. However, you may need to remove the door’s speaker to access the bolts. The mounting bolt’s role is to fasten the window regulator to the door. Once you locate them, remove the mounting bolts.

When removing the bolts, the key point to note is to be very gentle with the window. After you remove the mounting bolts, the window may become loose. Hold the window and pull it upwards until it contacts the door’s upper frame. Ensure the glass does not fall back to the inside of the door.

Use masking tape to ensure the window stays in place at the top of the door’s frame. This step is crucial as it ensures your glass does not break as you remove the motor and regulator. Ensure you do not let go of the window until it is secure.

Remove the window regulator’s mounting bolts

Locate the bolts that hold the window regulator to the door. Then, use a wrench to remove them. Make sure to be very gentle. After disconnecting them, place the bolts in a secure place where you can easily reach them again. You can also label the bolts’ containers to ensure you can quickly identify them as the regulator’s bolts.

After removing the bolts, allow the regulator to sit in the door until you remove the motor. In some cases, you will find that the motor and regulators are separate.

Disconnect the window motor’s mounting bolts

The window motor’s location is close to the regulator. Locate it and then remove the bolts. You will find that the bolts holding the motor are almost the same as the regulators. Please remove them and make sure to place them in a safe place as well.

The point to note is that the motor bolts may be the same head size as the regulator but have different lengths. Thus, make sure to place them in a separate container from the regulator’s bolts.

Disconnect the window regulator and motor’s assembly

Next, find the wiring connector attached to the regulator and motor as you need to disconnect it. Push the tab down to disconnect the motor carefully. Ensure you do not break the tab that secures the wiring connector.

Remove the regulator and motor

You should handle this step with the utmost care. After disconnecting the window regulator and motor harness, there will be nothing connecting them to the inside of the doors. Remove the motor and regulator through the large access port. If you are only replacing the motor, ensure you do not damage the regulator.

Connect the new motor to your regulator

If the window motor is the only part you are replacing, you will need to disconnect and attach the new motor. First, make sure that your new motor and the old one match. Then gently connect the new motor to the regulator.

If you are unsure how to connect and disconnect the regulator, read the service manual. Different cars require varying techniques to secure the motor and regulator.

Install the new window motor

Place the regulator and window motor back inside the door panel. Ensure you orient each part well so that the mounting bolt’s holes line up with the door’s interior holes.

Reinstall all the mounting bolts

Make sure to align all the components correctly at this step. Then, reinstall all the mounting bolts to the appropriate position. Use your hand to thread all the mounting bolts. Then use a wrench or a ratchet to tighten them.

The bolts are very small; you do not need to over-tighten them. If you have one or more bolts that do not thread well, remove them and try again to avoid cross-treading.

Reinstall the speaker if you have removed the speaker, and reattach any harnesses or wires to the speaker.

Connect the electrical connector

After making sure that the window regulator and motor are in place, reconnect the motor’s wiring, which you had disconnected earlier. This step is essential for power window regulators and motors.

 It ensures that you will reconnect the power source and power window switches. Make sure that the connection fits perfectly. You should hear a click that tells you the connector is in place.

Lower the window back into place

Hold the window firmly, then remove the masking tape from the door panel. This step ensures you can lower the window to the mounting bracket. If the tape leaves any marks, use an adhesive remover to clear them. Also, reinstall the window’s mounting bolts and tighten them, but do not overtighten them.

Install the plastic cover

Once you reinstall all the bolts, re-check to ensure everything is in place. Then proceed to reinstall the plastic covering you had removed earlier. If it does not seal back properly, use a small amount of clear silicone to coat the plastic. The silicone coat will keep the cover in place and prevent moisture from getting in.

Reinstall the door panel

Once the plastic cover is in place, reinstall the door panel. Make sure to put all the plastic tabs in the door panel.

Test your new window motor

After you complete the window motor replacing process, make sure to test it out. You can switch the window in both directions to examine whether it works well. If your motor is in the right position, your window will move up and down properly.

However, if it does not move up and down well, you may need to inspect it further. Check any gaps, loosen the bolts and adjust the window until it seals properly.

Conclusion

The process of replacing a window motor is very straightforward. As long as you follow all the instructions well, you can do it yourself. However, some instances, such as determining your car’s mounting fastener type, may require you to consult the service manual. Thus, ensure you have it with you as you successfully replace the window motor.