Power Windows Not Working? (10 Common Causes and How to Fix)
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting into your car on a scorching hot day and realizing that your power windows won’t close when you press the button. Or even worse, it’s raining and you can’t close the windows.
Before you try pressing an unresponsive button or forcing the window open manually, potentially damaging your gear in the process, read this first. We’ll explain the 10 most common reasons why power windows fail and whether there’s an easy DIY fix or if you should consult a mechanic.
Common Causes of Power Windows Not Working
There are a number of reasons why your car’s windows may stop working. If you don’t hear or see any movement when you press the button, it’s likely an electrical issue rather than a mechanical one. Here are some possible issues to check if you’re experiencing this issue:
1) Window Lock Button Enabled
One of the simplest reasons why your power windows may not work is that the window lock button is engaged. This safety feature disables all passenger windows and prevents children from playing with them.
Make sure the driver’s door lock switch is pushed in. This button may have been accidentally pushed into the locked position without you realizing it.
How to fix the problem: This problem can be fixed in seconds. Simply press the driver’s door window lock button to unlock the setting. Try your power window again and it should work properly again. Checking your lock button regularly will help prevent future power window problems.
2) Faulty window regulator
The mechanism that raises and lowers the power window is called the window regulator. Every car door with power windows has a window regulator that moves the window.
If the window regulator is faulty, the window will not move when you press the up or down buttons. Excessive wear can cause window regulator components, such as plastic gears, to slowly crack or break over time, or the window regulator to become misaligned.
How to fix the problem: Replace a worn window regulator.
3) Faulty fuse
If all four windows are stuck and won’t move, the window regulator fuse may be the culprit. In this case, nothing happens when you press the window switch. You won’t hear any motor noise at all, and the glass won’t swing as if it’s trying to move with all its might.
To fix the problem: Refer to your owner’s manual to find out which fuse powers the window and replace it.
4) Faulty window motor
Power windows require a motor to provide electrical energy to move the window up and down. The window motor has a gear on the end that is connected to the window regulator mechanism.
The motor runs when you press the door up/down button. This provides power to the window regulator, allowing the window to move. If the motor fails, it won’t have enough power to move the window regulator.
If your window occasionally moves slower than normal when you raise the window, this can be a warning that the motor is starting to fail. This gradual change in performance can occur before the engine fails completely.
How to fix the problem: The solution to a broken window regulator motor is to repair it or install a complete replacement unit. Repairs require disassembling the engine to repair internal components, which requires some expertise. Replacing the engine completely is a simpler repair and is a fairly easy DIY job.
5) Snow and Ice
If you live in an area where snowfall and ice are common, this can affect the functionality of your window regulator. A window can freeze if ice forms between the glass and the window frame.
If the window freezes over, the window regulator may not have enough power to open it. Even if you manage to open the window at first, over time the window regulator will wear out faster due to strain. Repeated freezing of the glass and the need to force it open puts great stress on the power window components.
How to fix the problem: Do not force a frozen power window open or close it. Instead, use a hair dryer or other heating device to slowly melt the ice cream around the edges.
Check your window seals to see if there are any chunks of snow or ice stuck in them that are restricting their movement. Remove these by hand, if possible with a plastic tool to avoid scratching. Applying lubricant can help restore smooth operation. Keeping your window seals clean and lubricated can help prevent snow and ice from building up.
6) Cracked, loose, or dirty window seals
Window seals help keep out wind and rain and keep your windows properly aligned. If dirt builds up and makes the seal sticky or out of alignment, it can cause additional friction on the window. It can be hard for the window lift motor to overcome these and move the window.
It’s important to clean, lubricate, and replace your window seals when necessary. Ignoring sealing issues can allow water into your car. Maintaining seals and locks keeps your power windows working optimally and helps prevent water damage in your doors.
How to fix the problem: Carefully inspect window seals for cracks, missing parts, loose parts or signs of leaks. Replace any visibly damaged parts immediately to prevent further damage. Make sure seals are tight and seated snugly against the frame.
Clean dirty window and door seals with a mild cleaner and microfiber cloth to prevent dirt buildup. To prevent seizure, lubricate the seals and rails regularly.
7) Faulty Power Window Switch
The power window switch on your door can fail over time. Every time you use the switch to raise or lower the window, it wears down a little bit. Using the switch too often or forcing it will accelerate the wear.
At some point the switch may stop working properly. Troubleshooting is easy too. Compare the window response when using the single door switch vs. the driver’s door master switch (make sure child locks are not on).
If only one switch doesn’t work, that switch is defective or the wiring between the switches is incorrect.
To fix the problem: Remove the switch cover and check the connector for looseness or damage. Remove any dirt, corrosion or debris. If the power window switch connection appears to work, replace the entire switch assembly. Install an identical new OEM factory switch to restore window control function from this location.
8) Wiring Issues
A set of wires connects the power window switch to the motor. In rare cases, wiring issues can occur within the door. For example, if the window regulator component was recently repaired, a mechanic may have accidentally damaged the wires. In this case, you’ll need to go to a mechanic again to fix the problem.
You can also open the door panel and trace the wires from the fuse box to the switch to look for loose or corroded wires. To avoid electric shock, always disconnect the battery before touching any cables. It’s a good idea to check the condition of the cables and connections along the path to the switch to identify any wiring errors that may affect your power windows.
How to fix the problem: This is best left to the professionals. But if you’re confident in your abilities,
Using a wiring diagram, methodically check every inch of the wiring between switches, fuses, controls, and motors. Look for friction, bare wires, corrosion, cracks, and melted areas that indicate shorts or other physical damage that could cause malfunctions.
Using a multimeter, check connections and terminals for looseness and resistance. Reconnect wires properly and replace any damaged insulation, such as insulating tape. Test the window function before closing everything again.
9) Broken Door
For power windows to function properly, the window track must be correctly aligned. Door damage from an impact or loose screws can affect the alignment and cause problems such as: B. Window sticking or door not closing completely.
When the track is properly aligned, the window regulator can easily raise and lower the glass. But if the track is misaligned, for example from door damage or a loose fastener, it can be difficult for the window regulator to move the window, which can cause the door to stick or not close completely. How to fix the problem: Thoroughly inspect the affected door and surrounding area for visible damage that could prevent the window from moving smoothly.
If there are minor alignment issues, adjust the governor and motor mounts to prevent sticking or rubbing. Lubricate restricted areas. If deformations prevent electrical or mechanical operation, door or frame replacement may be necessary.
10) Dirty Window Tracks
Powered window panes slide on metal tracks in the door. Over time, these tracks can become dirty with mud and road grime and the lubricant that keeps the window moving smoothly can dry out.
How to fix the problem: Carefully wipe all window tracks, seals and panes with a mild detergent and a microfiber cloth. Use a crevice tool to remove any debris from the hard-to-reach areas at the rear of the window tracks. Compressed air can also help loosen buildup. To prevent recurrence, apply silicone lubricant, graphite powder, or other suitable lubricant to the cleaned road surface. Be careful not to get any silicone on your car’s paintwork. Wipe it all off immediately to avoid damage.