How to Fix a Broken Car Window Motor: Troubleshooting and Solutions

Experiencing issues with your car window not rolling up or down? A common culprit is a malfunctioning window motor. Before you rush to expensive replacements, understanding the problem and exploring a temporary fix can save you time and money. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting a broken car window motor and offer steps you can take to address the issue, including a potential temporary fix and when replacement is the best course of action.

Understanding Car Window Motor Problems

Car window motors can fail for various reasons, often leading to frustrating situations where your window is stuck open, closed, or moves erratically. Common symptoms of a failing window motor include:

• Window moving slowly or erratically: Hesitation or jerky movements when operating the window switch.
• Window getting stuck: The window stops moving mid-way, requiring repeated attempts to operate.
• No window movement at all: Complete silence when the window switch is activated, indicating potential motor failure.
• Clicking or grinding noises: Unusual sounds coming from the door panel when trying to operate the window.

While these symptoms can point to a broken window motor, it’s also important to consider other potential issues such as problems with the window regulator, wiring, or switch. However, if you suspect the motor itself, cleaning it can sometimes provide a temporary solution.

Temporary Fix: Cleaning Your Car Window Motor

In some cases, a window motor might fail due to dirt, debris, or corrosion build-up within the motor assembly. Cleaning the motor can sometimes restore functionality, at least temporarily. This method is often effective when the motor is sluggish or intermittent, rather than completely dead.

Please note: Cleaning your window motor is generally considered a temporary fix. If the motor is truly failing due to internal wear or damage, cleaning will only provide a short-term solution before requiring replacement.

While specific steps can vary slightly depending on your car model, the general process for accessing and cleaning a window motor involves:

1. Remove the door panel: This usually involves removing screws and potentially prying off plastic clips. Consult your vehicle’s repair manual for specific instructions for your car model to avoid damaging the panel.
2. Locate the window motor: It’s typically mounted inside the door, attached to the window regulator.
3. Disconnect the motor: Carefully disconnect the electrical connector to the window motor.
4. Remove the motor (partially): You may need to unbolt the motor to access the internal components for cleaning, but avoid fully removing it from the regulator unless necessary and you are comfortable with the mechanism.
5. Clean the motor: Use electrical contact cleaner to spray inside the motor assembly, focusing on areas where dirt and debris might accumulate. You can also use compressed air to blow out any loose particles.
6. Reassemble and test: Reconnect the motor electrically, re-install the door panel partially to test the window operation before fully reassembling.

If cleaning restores window function, it’s a good sign, but be prepared for potential future failure.

Alt text: Thumbs up icon indicating successful temporary fix for car window motor issue.

When to Consider Window Motor Replacement

While cleaning can sometimes revive a sluggish window motor, it’s crucial to recognize when replacement is the more reliable and long-term solution. Consider replacing your car window motor if:

• Cleaning provides only a very short-term fix: If the window motor fails again soon after cleaning, it indicates a more serious internal issue.
• The motor is completely dead: If cleaning doesn’t restore any function, the motor is likely beyond repair.
• You want a reliable, long-term solution: For peace of mind and to avoid future window problems, replacement is the recommended approach, especially in older vehicles or those with high mileage.

Replacing the window motor involves similar steps to accessing it for cleaning, but instead of cleaning, you’ll install a new or refurbished motor.

Finding Replacement Window Motors

When replacing your window motor, you have several options:

• New OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) motor: These are typically the most expensive but offer guaranteed compatibility and quality.
• Aftermarket new motor: Often more affordable than OEM, but quality can vary between brands. Choose reputable brands like Cardone for reliable aftermarket options.
• Refurbished motor: A cost-effective option that can offer good performance and often comes with a warranty.

You can find replacement window motors at various auto parts retailers. Major retailers like O’Reilly Auto Parts, AutoZone, and Advance Auto Parts are good places to start. You can search online using your vehicle’s year, make, and model, or by using the part numbers provided in the original article for specific models like the Nissan 350Z (part numbers may need to be cross-referenced for your specific vehicle).

For example, for a Nissan 350Z:

• Cardone Driver’s side motor: Part # 47-1377
• Cardone Passenger’s side motor: Part # 47-1376

Always verify the part number compatibility with your specific vehicle before purchasing to ensure proper fit and function. Many auto parts stores offer online part lookup tools to help you find the correct motor for your car.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guides

For detailed step-by-step instructions on replacing your window motor, consult resources like repair manuals specific to your vehicle or online guides. There are also helpful PDF guides available, such as the one mentioned in the original post:

• Window Motor Replacement Guide PDF: http://static.ibsrv.net/autocomm/Content/my350z/windowmotorreplacement-sep14update.pdf

This type of guide can provide visual aids and detailed steps to make the replacement process smoother.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Fix for Your Window Motor

Dealing with a broken car window motor can be inconvenient. While cleaning your existing motor can offer a temporary reprieve, it’s essential to understand its limitations. For a reliable and lasting solution, replacing the window motor is usually the best course of action. By understanding the problem, exploring temporary fixes, and knowing when to opt for replacement, you can effectively address your broken car window motor and restore full functionality to your vehicle’s windows.