Why is my roll up window not working?

Common causes include a blown fuse, a faulty window motor or regulator, or a jammed track. Start by checking the power supply and the switch, then inspect the door mechanism for binding or wear.

Roll-up windows—whether in a car door or a building fixture—rely on a blend of electrical and mechanical parts. This article explains the typical culprits, lays out a practical troubleshooting path, and outlines when to call a professional for repair or replacement.

Common causes of a non-working roll-up window

The most frequent culprits fall into electrical, mechanical, or obstruction categories. Review these possibilities to guide your diagnosis:

• Blown fuse or faulty relay in the window power circuit


• Faulty window motor or a dead or binding window regulator


• Window regulator cable or linkage worn, broken, or detached


• Glass off track or jammed by debris, damaged weatherstripping, or a misaligned channel


• Faulty or dirty window switch; poor connections in the door wiring


• Damaged wiring harness or connectors in the door due to flexing at the hinge


• Anti-pinch or safety features activated, stopping the window mid-travel


• Manual crank issues (for non-power windows): stripped gears, loose crank handle, or binding in the mechanism

If none of these common causes explain the issue, there may be a deeper electrical fault or a more complex mechanical failure inside the door, and a professional inspection is advised.

Troubleshooting steps

To determine the root cause, follow this diagnostic sequence. For safety, avoid placing fingers near moving parts and consider disconnecting the battery when probing electrical connections in the door.

The steps below guide you through a practical diagnostic:

• Check the fuse and relay for the window circuit. Locate the fuse diagram in the owner's manual or fuse box lid, inspect for a blown fuse, and replace it if needed. If the fuse blows again, there may be a short or hard draw in the circuit.


• Test the window switch. With the door panel accessible, operate the switch and note whether other windows on the same circuit work. If this window still doesn’t respond while others do, the switch or its wiring is a likely culprit; if none work, focus on the power feed or body control module.


• Listen for motor activity. When pressing the up/down switch, does the motor hum, click, or stay completely silent? A humming motor with no movement suggests the regulator or gears are binding; no sound often indicates a power or switch issue.


• Inspect the door wiring and connectors. Look for damaged insulation, loose connectors, or corrosion at the door edge. Use a multimeter to test for voltage at the motor connector when the switch is activated.


• Check the window track and glass alignment. Look for debris, kinks, or bent channels. Try guiding the glass by hand (gently) to detect resistance, and clean or lubricate the track if appropriate.


• Evaluate the regulator or cable system. If the glass moves only partially or slips, the regulator or cables may be worn or broken and require replacement.


• Consider a reset or end-point relearn if your vehicle supports it. Some cars require a specific procedure to relearn the window’s travel limits after component replacement or power loss.

After these checks, you should have a clearer idea of whether the fix is something simple you can handle or a more involved repair likely needing a professional.

DIY fixes you can try

Some fixes are safe and relatively straightforward, while others require professional service. Start with these non-invasive steps:

• Clean and lubricate the window tracks and seals with a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid oil-based products that attract dirt.


• Reseat the wiring harness inside the door; look for loose or corroded connectors and replace if necessary.


• Replace a blown fuse or faulty relay in the window circuit, ensuring you use the correct amperage rating.


• Test a known-good window switch if available to determine whether the original switch is defective.

Always stop if you hear grinding, notice excessive resistance, or see smoke or burning smells. If basic fixes don’t restore function, or if you’re uncomfortable working inside a door, seek professional help to avoid further damage.

When to call a professional

Seek professional help if the problem persists after basic checks, if you detect internal wiring damage, or if the window motor or regulator requires replacement. A trained technician can safely remove the door panel, diagnose electrical faults, and replace failing components while ensuring proper alignment and anti-pinch calibration.

Summary

Roll-up window failure typically stems from electrical issues (fuse, relay, switch, or motor) or mechanical problems (regulator, track, or wiring). A systematic approach—inspect power supply, test the switch, assess the motor and regulator, and check the track and wiring—will usually reveal the culprit. Simple cleaning and lubrication can solve some cases, but more complex repairs should be handled by a professional to ensure safe, reliable operation.

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 go up or down?

A standard power window repair at a general automotive shop can cost between $400 – $600 depending on the vehicle. Most shops will opt to install a new window regulator and motor assembly even if the motor is fine. Why is that?

How to fix window not rolling up?

To fix a window that won't roll up, first check simple things like the child safety lock and fuses, then try a "door slam" reset or motor reset procedure. If those fail, manually try to lift the glass or lubricate the tracks, but if the problem is internal, a faulty switch, motor, or regulator is likely the cause and will require more involved repairs, possibly including removing the door panel. 
Quick fixes to try first
This video demonstrates how to fix a stuck car window using quick fixes: 58sBudget MechanicYouTube · Apr 5, 2021

• Check the child safety lock: Make sure the window lock button on the driver's side isn't engaged, as this will prevent rear windows from operating. 
• Try the door slam method: Turn the ignition on, hold the window switch in the "up" position, and have someone firmly slam the car door to help the motor connect. 
• Reset the motor: With the ignition on, press and hold the switch in the "up" position for about 10 seconds, then in the "down" position for another 10 seconds, and try "up" again. 

Troubleshooting next steps 
You can watch this video to learn how to troubleshoot a power window problem: 36selectronicsNmoreYouTube · Mar 7, 2020

• Check fuses: Use your owner's manual to find the fuse box and check the fuse for the power windows. If it's blown, replace it with a new one of the same amperage. 
• Listen to the motor: Press the switch and listen for a humming or grinding noise, which could mean the motor is faulty or the window is off its track. 
• Lubricate the tracks: If the window is just slow and noisy, apply a silicone lubricant to the window tracks and guides. If this is the issue, the window may move more smoothly after. 

When to seek professional help

• If the above steps don't work, the problem is likely more serious, such as a faulty window switch, a broken motor, or a damaged regulator. 
• For these issues, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic: or a glass specialist, as it involves removing the interior door panel to access and replace the parts. 

This video shows how to replace a power window motor: 49sJonny DIYYouTube · Jul 30, 2022