What causes a power window motor to stop working?
Power windows are a modern convenience that many of us take for granted—until they stop working. If you've ever been stuck with a window that won't roll up or down, you know how frustrating it can be. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve seen our fair share of power window issues. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of power window motor failure and what you can do about it.
1. Electrical Issues
One of the most common reasons a power window motor stops working is due to electrical problems. These can include:
- Blown Fuse: A blown fuse can cut power to the window motor, rendering it inoperable. This is often the first thing to check when a power window stops working.
- Faulty Wiring: Over time, the wiring that connects the power window motor to the car's electrical system can become damaged or disconnected.
- Bad Switch: The window switch itself can wear out or fail, preventing the motor from receiving the signal to operate.
2. Motor Wear and Tear
Like any mechanical component, the power window motor can wear out over time. This is especially true if the windows are used frequently. Signs of a failing motor include slow window movement or a complete lack of response when the switch is pressed.
3. Regulator Problems
The window regulator is the mechanism that physically moves the window up and down. If the regulator becomes damaged or jammed, it can prevent the motor from functioning properly. In some cases, the motor may still work, but the window won’t move due to a broken regulator.
4. Debris or Obstructions
Debris, dirt, or other obstructions in the window track can cause the motor to strain or stop working altogether. Regular cleaning of the window tracks can help prevent this issue.
5. Overheating
Power window motors are designed to handle a certain amount of use. If the motor is used excessively in a short period, it can overheat and temporarily stop working. Allowing the motor to cool down may resolve the issue in such cases.
How to Address Power Window Motor Issues
If your power window motor has stopped working, here are some steps you can take:
- Check the fuse box for a blown fuse and replace it if necessary.
- Inspect the wiring and switch for visible damage or wear.
- Clean the window tracks to remove any debris or obstructions.
- If the motor or regulator is faulty, it may need to be replaced. This is a job best left to a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
Power window motor issues can be caused by a variety of factors, from electrical problems to mechanical wear and tear. At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing power window problems quickly and efficiently. If you’re experiencing issues with your power windows, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert assistance. Remember, regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing these problems from occurring in the first place!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a window motor stop?
As a vehicle gets older, the window regulator and slides don't slide/move as well, so creates a lot more friction. The window motor starts wearing out because of this and more heat is produced, thus shutting down the motor.
How much does it cost to replace a power window motor?
The average time to replace a power window motor is 2.1 hours. You should expect to pay $120-$150 for labor plus the cost of the motor itself. It can usually bring the entire job anywhere from $200 to $300, depending on the make and model.
Is there a seperate fuse for each power window?
With some arrangements a single fuse in the main supply line is used to protect the complete window system so a failure here affects all the windows. Other cars have individual fuses for each window motor so failure will only affect the one window.
How do I reset my power window motor?
Down. And hold the button down for five seconds. And then pull it all the way up. And once it's all the way up hold the button for five seconds and that reprograms. It hope that helps.
How do I know if my power window motor is bad?
If there are strange grinding noises, the motor moves slowly, or it doesn't move properly in one or both of the two directions, the window lift motor is the culprit.
How do I know if my power window fuse is blown?
If the fuse is blown, pushing a window button will do nothing at all: The motor won't groan and the glass won't quiver. If the fuse is good and you can hear the motor, or the glass acts like it wants to move, then you've got some sort of mechanical problem.
Does each window motor have its own fuse?
Generally most systems have only 1 fuse for the entire power windows so with only 1 window not working, I do not suspect a fuse and instead a faulty window motor or window switch.
Why did my power window suddenly stop working?
Power switch failure is a fairly common issue. The main control switch, located on the driver's side, can be found in many vehicles. This switch can operate all of the windows and also may have a locking safety mechanism to use for childproofing. Over time this switch can go bad and need to be replaced.
How to fix an electric window that won't go up?
First, find the switch for the malfunctioning window. Then, press and hold the switch in the 'up' position for about ten seconds. After releasing it, immediately press and hold the switch in the 'down' position for another ten seconds. This recalibrates the window motor and resets its position memory.
How long should a power window motor last?
How long do window motors last? Most window motors last more than 10 years, but it's possible for one to fail much sooner.
