Electric Window Regulator replacement & repair made easy

The window winder mechanism, or to give it it’s correct title, window regulator, is the means by which the side windows are moved up and down.

• The mechanic will test the operation of the unit, then remove the door panel to further determine the cause.
• The mechanic will inspect the window regulator.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the faulty window regulator.
• The mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• The mechanic will test the window's operation to ensure everything works correctly.
• If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend an electric window regulator replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

Electric Windows
* When the window does not open or close when using the switch but you can hear the motor running (please see note).
* When the window has dropped into the door.
* When the window's movement is unusually slow.
* When the window does not go down or up all the way.
* When an excessive squeaking or crunching noise occurs when opening or closing the window.
* When the window goes up partially, then drops back down again.

Manual Windows
* When turning the handle, nothing happens.
* The handle becomes very stiff to operate.
* The window will only partially open or close.
* The window drops down into the door.

NOTE
If you hear no buzz from the motor it is more likely that the electric motor has failed. In many cases though, it might be just the switch that has failed or it might be that the system has blown a fuse.

Should you experience problems with an electric window then it is advisable that you have it inspected as soon as possible and, if necessary, have the window regulator replaced. As the regulator is, in most cases, part of one assembly with the electric window motor it might be necessary to replace this whole unit.

On average, electric window regulator replacement times can range from under 1 hour to 1.5 hours with an average of 1 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

There is no set interval at which a window regulator will need replacing. You will know there may be something wrong if, in the case of an electric window, you may hear the motor running when activated but nothing occurs. In the case of a manually operated window, the handle may either not move or just does nothing. Sometimes the wires fray and get tangled, so you may hear a “crunching” noise each time the window is operated.

The more strain you put on the window regulator, the more likely it is to break. By keeping the windows free of grit and waiting until ice has melted (or removing it) before operating the window will reduce unwanted resistance.

On average, a typical electric window regulator replacement costs £150, with prices ranging from £110 to £300. Ultimately, the cost of a window regulator replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your window regulator replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!

Driving with a faulty electric window regulator is of course not ideal, especially if the window's stuck open, it's best to book a diagnostic inspection and get help from a professional mechanic to diagnose the fault and suggest a fix as soon as possible.

Window regulators are not checked as part of the MOT checklist, so you are unlikely to fail your MOT on an electric window regulator issue. However, in the case that the MOT tester finds that the fault leads to an obstruction of the driver's view it can lead to an MOT failure.

Yes, in some cases a window regulator can be repaired. However, in most cases it will be easier and cheaper to get the whole regulator unit replaced by a qualified mechanic.