Auto Repair - What's Wrong With My Power Windows?

Sometimes power windows need a little bit of auto repair. They're great when they work, but sometimes they don't. This article explains some of the most common problems with power windows and what they mean.

When they don't need auto repair, power windows are wonderful. They make life so much easier - when they work. But when they don't, you're in for a bit of tricky auto repair. Here are some of the most common power window problems and some ideas about what you can do to fix them.

Electrical Problems

Before you start to panic and worry about how much you're going to spend on auto repair for your window, there's something easy you can do. Often, power windows stop working because of dirty electrical contacts. The electricity for power windows usually comes through a master switch on the driver's side of the dashboard. If this master switch is dirty, all of the power windows won't work. Try cleaning this switch and see if they'll work.

The problem could also be a blown fuse. Turn on the ignition without starting the engine and try the windows again. If they don't move at all, your problem is the fuse. If they wiggle and make noises, this means the problem is something mechanical and not electric. Check your car's manual and find out which fuse it is, and then replace that one.

A Bad Regulator

If the problem is something mechanical and not electrical, it is probably your window regulator. This is a mechanical assembly that is attached to the window itself. It uses cables or gears to move the window up and down when the switch sends electricity to it.

There's an easy way to determine if the regulator is the likely culprit. If, when you hit the switch, you hear a whirring or grinding sound inside the door panel, this is a pretty good indication that the regulator is the problem. It could also be the regulator is your window slides down by itself when you drive at high speeds or go over bumps.

While it's not usually too hard to fix yourself, it requires that you take the door panel off so that you can get to all the components. Every car is different, so check your user's manual. It will have all the schematics you need. If you don't have the manual, you can find it at your local library or online.

Motor Problems

Power windows can also have problems with their motors. While motor replacement costs a little more than regulator replacement, it's still not a whole lot. It's often the motor when your window moves but it struggles. If you need to hit the switch a certain way or the window only slides a certain ways up, this could also be a bad motor.

If you're not good at doing your own auto repair, power windows are an easy job that any mechanic can do. It usually only takes about an hour and it's a fairly cheap job. You can also find coupons online to help make it even cheaper.

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