How do you fix a window that wont roll down?

A window that won’t roll down is most often caused by a blown fuse, a faulty switch, or a bad window motor or regulator. Start with quick electrical checks, then inspect the mechanical parts inside the door if needed.

In this guide, we lay out a practical diagnostic path, provide DIY steps you can perform with common tools, and explain when replacement or professional help is warranted. We cover both power windows and manual windows, safety considerations, and how to reassemble the door after repairs.

Quick diagnostic checklist

Before diving into more involved work, use this list to determine where the fault is likely located and what you should test first.

• Check the power window fuse and relay in the vehicle’s fuse box; replace if blown and re-test the window.


• Test the window switch (driver’s and passenger controls if available) to see if any switch works or if all fail.


• Inspect the door wiring and connectors for signs of wear, crushed insulation, or corrosion where the harness enters the door.


• Listen for the window motor when you press the switch; a buzzing or clicking sound suggests motor or regulator involvement, while complete silence points to power/or switch faults.


• See if other windows work from the same switch or master control; if all windows are dead, the issue is more likely a main power source or fuse rather than a single motor.


• Check the window track for obstructions or binding; a jammed track can stop the glass from moving even if the motor runs.

After performing these checks, you’ll have a clearer sense of whether the problem is electrical, mechanical, or a combination of both.

Step-by-step repair process

Below is a practical, does-it-yourself path for repairing most common power window problems. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work or door-panel removal, consider professional help.

1. Gather tools and supplies: trim removal tool, screwdriver set, socket set, needle-nose pliers, multimeter, silicone-based lubricant, clean cloth, and safety glasses.


2. Disconnect the battery negative terminal to minimize the risk of short circuits while you work inside the door.


3. Remove the door panel: locate and remove all visible screws, use the trim tool to release clips, carefully detach the panel from the door, and unplug any electrical connectors.


4. Inspect the inside of the door mechanism: check the window regulator arms, cables or gears for bending, wear, or breakage; look for binding in the window track and any visible debris or corrosion.


5. Test electrical power to the motor with the panel off: reattach the harness to the window motor and press the window switch. If the motor receives power but doesn’t move, the motor or regulator is faulty; if there’s no power, continue diagnosing the switch or wiring.


6. Replace the regulator and/or motor if needed: remove mounting bolts, detach the glass from the regulator, install the new regulator/motor assembly, reattach the glass, and ensure smooth movement within the track.


7. Lubricate and align: apply a silicone-based lubricant to the window tracks and check alignment of the glass to ensure unobstructed travel; wipe away excess lubricant.


8. Reassemble and test: reconnect electrical connectors, reattach the door panel, reinstall screws and trim, then test the window across its full range several times to confirm smooth operation.

Effective completion of these steps should restore normal operation or clearly indicate what part needs replacement. If the motor hums but the glass won’t move, the regulator is the likely culprit; if there’s no power, the issue is electrical.

Special cases: manual windows

Manual window crank problems

For vehicles with a hand-crank window, the fix usually involves inspecting the crank mechanism and the regulator. The steps are similar in approach—access the inside of the door panel to check the crank linkage, the window regulator, and the track—but there is no electric motor to test.

• Check that the crank handle is securely attached and not stripped; replace the handle or interconnecting parts if loose.


• Inspect the regulator linkage and gears for wear or breakage; a damaged linkage may prevent the glass from moving.


• Look for misalignment or debris in the window track that could stop the glass from moving smoothly; clean and lubricate as needed.


• Test that the glass is properly attached to the regulator arm and moves freely when you operate the crank; reseat or replace components as necessary.

Manual window repairs can be straightforward or complex depending on the design and door construction. If you encounter persistent binding or missing components, replacing the regulator or entire window assembly may be necessary.

When to seek professional help

Certain situations are best handled by a professional, especially if you’re not confident with door-panel removal, electrical testing, or if the car’s electronics (like airbags or side-curtain systems) could be affected. Consider expert help if:

• The motor runs but the window doesn’t move, indicating a likely regulator or track failure that may require specialized tools to repair.


• You test and find no power at the window motor despite a functioning fuse and switch, suggesting wiring or control module issues.


• You’re dealing with a high-end vehicle with integrated safety features or if the door panel is stubborn to remove.

Professional technicians can quickly diagnose electrical faults with wiring diagrams and specialized test equipment, replace regulators or motors, and ensure the door’s seals and safety features remain intact.

Summary

Most non-working car windows come down to a few common culprits: a blown fuse or faulty switch, a dead window motor, a failed regulator, or an obstructed window track. Start with quick electrical checks, then inspect the door’s mechanical components if necessary. DIY fixes typically involve testing power and replacing the regulator/motor or cleaning and lubricating the tracks, followed by careful reassembly. When in doubt or if the job involves complex electrical systems, seeking professional help can save time and ensure safety.

What to do when your window won't roll down?

5 Typical Problems That Cause A Car Window Not To Go Up or Down and How to Fix

1. #1: Ignition Switch Setting. The first thing to check is the ignition switch if a window won't go down.
2. #2: Child Safety Switch Position.
3. #3: Blown Fuse.
4. #4: Defective Power Window Switch.
5. #5: Defective Window Motor.

How to tell if it's the window motor or switch?

To tell if a window switch or motor is bad, first check the switch's physical condition and listen for the motor when you press the switch. If you hear the motor running but the window doesn't move, the motor is likely bad. If you hear grinding or clicking noises, or if the window moves very slowly, it is often the motor or regulator. If only one window is affected and all other windows work, the issue is likely with that specific switch, motor, or regulator.
 
How to diagnose a bad switch 
This video demonstrates how to diagnose a bad window switch or motor by checking for power flow to the motor: 54sRockAuto Auto PartsYouTube · Apr 18, 2019

• Physical feel: A spongy, loose, or otherwise different feeling in the switch compared to the others can indicate a problem. 
• Master switch issues: If the other windows only work from the master switch, but not from their own door switches, the individual switches may be faulty. 
• Lack of power: If you press the switch and observe that your car's interior lights or dashboard indicators do not dim at all, it could mean the switch is not sending power to the motor. 
• The window moves: If you can confirm the window moves when using a different switch (like the master switch), the original window's switch is the likely culprit. 

How to diagnose a bad motor or regulator 
This video shows how to test if a window motor is working by bypassing the switch: 1mTop 5 Auto RepairsYouTube · Jun 6, 2023

• Motor noise: A grinding, clicking, or squealing noise coming from the door when you press the switch often indicates a problem with the motor or the window regulator, which is the mechanical part that lifts the glass. 
• Motor sound but no movement: If you hear the motor running (a humming sound) but the window doesn't move at all, the motor is likely bad. 
• Slow or jerky movement: A window that moves very slowly, jerks, or gets stuck halfway is often a sign of a struggling motor or a faulty regulator. 
• Burning smell: A burning smell coming from the door panel can indicate the motor is overheating and is on its way to failing. 

What to check first
You can watch this video to learn how to test a power window circuit: 58sJustin MillerYouTube · Mar 13, 2015

• Check the fuse: Before replacing any parts, it's a good idea to check the fuse for the power windows to make sure it hasn't blown. 
• Test all switches: Press the switch for the problem window and then test all other window switches. If other windows work correctly, the problem is isolated to that one window's switch, motor, or regulator. 

How to manually wind up an electric window?

Stand at the end of the open door and place one palm on the outside of the window and the other palm facing it on the inside of the window. Pressing the glass firmly between your palms, slowly move your hands up to raise the window.

How much does it cost to fix a car window that won't roll up or down?

You could need a new power window motor assembly with parts that cost in the vicinity of $90 to $225, or it could be as minor as a fuse replacement, or even lubrication. But if your car window won't go up, it's important to deal with it right away.