How to Install a Power Window Motor

There are some automobiles that are manufactured without power windows but have the provision to install a power window motor, as per the needs of the vehicle owner. If you so wish, you can also add power windows to your vehicle by installing a power window motor. Although it seems like a very difficult task at the outset, it is, in fact, very easy and makes for a rather simple DIY project. You may also need to install a new power window motor if your old motor is not working properly. The motor often wears out, and the window pane may stop operating. Since it is not a very difficult task to remove and replace a power window motor, the entire project should take, on average, about half an hour.

Step 1 – Preparing the Window

The first thing to do is to make sure that there is no current flowing through the power window assembly. To do this, simply disconnect the positive terminal bolt on the car battery and turn it counter clockwise. Once you have done that, you can simply keep the terminal aside.

Step 2 – Removing the Switch Assembly

Pry up one corner of the door panel and pull it out directly. Some cars have the door panel installed with the help of screws. Simply, unscrew it and pull out the panel. If the switch plates are mounted on the armrest, you will have to remove the panel from the armrest as well before you take out the switch assembly. To do this, unscrew the screws holding the panel in position and then pull the plastic panel apart, removing it from any pop rivets that may be holding the structure in place. Sometimes, the rivets may get damaged when you are pulling them apart. When this happens, you may have to replace the rivets after you finish installing the power window motor. Disconnect and remove the wiring harness and pull apart the adapter plug.

Step 3 – Installing New Motor

When you open up the door panel, you will be able to see regulator gears for the power window motor. Place the motor into the regulator gears, and the turn the mount bolts in the clockwise direction. Do this till the bolts are snug. Now press the adapter plugs together and reconnect the wiring harness.

Step 4 – Replacing the Door Panel

If you have pop rivets in the door panels, giving them a gentle tap can help position the door panel snugly into the mount hole.  Put up the armrest bolts and replace the door handle screws to complete the door panel installation.

Step 5 – Replacing Switch Assembly

The switch assembly can be reconnected by attaching the switch to the wiring harness. Press the switch assembly into the door panel and turn the mount screws until they are tight. Once you have finished installing the switch and the motors on all the doors, reconnect the positive terminal of the car battery and test your switches and the motors to make sure that the connections are secure and the assemblies are working.