Symptoms and Remedies to Window Regulator Failure in Your Car

The evolution of car design has impressed us all—especially with how quickly vehicles have become technologically advanced. Perhaps one of the most notable shifts in interior design was the switch from manual, hand-rolling windows to automated window design. Power windows are no longer for the extravagant car owner, but for the majority of drivers. Most vehicles these days come stock with power windows, and a grateful nation has never looked back. However, just as hand-rolled windows faced their fair share of problems, as too do power windows.

Power windows might be more susceptible to malfunction than hand-rolled windows in some cases; however, they’re well worth the convenience they offer. Depending on the type of car you drive, your particular vehicle might be more prone to power window failure, and usually the window regulator has something to do with the cause of the issue. The window regulator is what controls the window’s ability to roll up or down. Since the regulator houses a lot of other smaller pieces, it usually requires replacement when it shows signs of malfunction. It helps to know what to look for when the window regulator begins to show signs of premature wear so you can avoid the hassle of a window that won’t roll up or down at all. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:

Grinding or Clicking Noises While Rolling Up the Window

The window regulator, or motor, is located in the door of your car. It is common for drivers to hear a grinding or clicking noise when they attempt to roll the window up or down. With enough force, the window can come off of its “track,” which can cause it to get stuck in the door or in its current position. This might be due to dirt or debris buildup, or sometimes a small toy being lodged in the space between the window or motor—a common finding in family cars.

Window Won’t Stay Rolled Up or is Off-Center

If the window falls back down into the car door, won’t stay rolled up, or seems crooked or off-centered, then your window regulator is likely in need of replacement. This can be dangerous and inconvenient, to say the least, as you’ll need a temporary fix to keep your window up or to at least protect your car from being broken into. When your car window can’t be rolled up, the problem should be addressed with immediacy to protect your belongings from being stolen and your interior from weather damage.

The Button Doesn’t Work the First Time

When functioning optimally, the window’s response to the button should be relatively immediate. If you notice that your window regulator is having a delayed response when the button is pushed, this can be one of the earlier signs of window regulator failure. It’s also important not to mistake this symptom as a window regulator issue instead of simply a problem with the button itself. This is where the help of a professional automotive specialist comes in handy.

Window Seems Sluggish or Too Quick

One of the things your window regulator/motor controls is the speed of the window. A malfunctioning window motor can display issues with speed—usually it will roll up or down much slower than normal. This indicates that the motor is dying. Furthermore, the power windows are designed to roll up at a specific speed so that the window remains intact; if the window goes to fast due to electrical damage, it can negatively affect the window and its components.

How We Can Help

In our 30 years here at Euro Plus Automotive, we have helped maintain and repair a diverse collection of European import vehicles from all over the areas of the San Fernando Valley, including Canoga Park, Woodland Hills and the greater Los Angeles County of Southern CA. In the grand scheme of automotive repair, power window issues are relatively simple to diagnose and address; however, that in no way indicates that it should be glossed over. We ensure accuracy with every diagnosis and repair that our clients receive so we can save them time and money in costly labor. If you’re experiencing power window issues, please call our shop to schedule an appointment. We look forward to restoring your automobile and improving your driving experience.