What is a Window Regulator?

A window regulator in a vehicle is the motor that allows you to roll your window up or down with just the touch of a button. It’s a motor located in the door which, with the assistance of pulleys and torque, saves you from literally rolling your window up and down with a crank! The window regulator/motor became a staple in vehicles around the 1960s and most vehicles sold today are equipped with them. They’re great for rolling up your window while driving since it only requires you to push a button and because powers windows cannot be budged open, which makes them safer; however, when the dark, dreary clouds head your way and that motor malfunctions, that’s when window regulators are frustrating!

The Only Negative of Power Windows

Unfortunately, if you have power windows you won’t have a window crank; therefore, when there is a problem with the regulator, your window is stuck. We can only hope that it never malfunctions or only does so once you’ve closed the window, but that is usually not the case.

There are a few things to check if you have a window that just won’t budge!

How to Troubleshoot a Broken Window

You could have accidently hit the lock out switch, which will prevent anyone else in the vehicle from operating the windows except the driver. Be sure this switch is turned off before you do anything else!
If none of your windows will go up or down, you may have a blown fuse.
If only one window will not move, then the glass could be off-track or there could be a bigger problem with the window regulator or door switch itself.

If you don’t hear any noise when pressing the window button (up or down), then it’s a bad motor. Luckily, this is also something we can help you with so give us a call!

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Reset Your Door Glass When It’s Off Track!

In order to put the window glass back on track, the interior door panel must be removed. This can be difficult because it involves small screws and bolts as well as plastic and metal clips that must be removed. You also will need to keep track of where they came from so they go back in the same place! Another hurdle is holding the window glass while also resetting it, which raises your risk of shattering the window glass during repair. To prevent this, give us a call. We have the proper tools and training to reset your window glass to get it back on track!

Still gave that repair a try on your own and ended up with this mess? No worries. We’ll get you back on the road in no time!

Ultimately, a window regulator/motor is great and makes it safer to adjust the windows in your vehicle while driving and it also makes your vehicle less prone to theft, as the windows can’t be forced open. Just be sure to get help if your regulator is broken or your glass is off track to prevent any further damages to the window!

If we can help you with door glass repair or replacement, call us at 336.851.1380 or drop into our shop at 7341-D West Friendly Avenue in Greensboro.