What Causes Slow and Weak Power Window Operation?
4 Answers
Window operation becoming slow and weak can be attributed to the following reasons: Low Voltage: The raising and lowering of power windows are driven by window regulators. If the window operates slowly when the engine is off, it might be caused by low battery voltage. This is particularly common in vehicles that haven't been used for extended periods, as battery discharge becomes more likely. In such cases, simply running the engine for a while to recharge the battery and ensure sufficient voltage will resolve the issue. Door Deformation: Although car doors appear very sturdy, frequent forceful closing or instances where doors get squeezed or scraped against objects can cause slight deformations. This may consequently affect window movement, potentially leading to jerky operation. In this situation, carefully inspect the door's condition. If deformation is confirmed, proper repair measures should be taken.
After five years of driving, my car's window rolling became slower, so I specifically asked a mechanic. He found that a lot of dust and sand had accumulated in the window regulator track, increasing resistance and making the window harder to roll up and down. Additionally, it could be due to the motor aging and losing power, or the rubber seals hardening and deforming, which can cause the window to get stuck. I later started regularly cleaning the tracks and spraying some specialized lubricant, and the improvement was quite noticeable. A friend of mine also encountered an issue with aging wiring, where insufficient voltage caused the window to roll slower. Regular maintenance is crucial—don’t wait until it stops working completely to address it. Preventive maintenance saves a lot of hassle.
I've dealt with slow power window issues myself. There are many possible causes. Lack of lubrication and rust on the tracks can increase friction, making the window squeak when rolling up. Damaged small pulleys in the regulator or deformed/rusted cables are also common problems. Last time during rainy weather, my window was particularly hard to roll up - turned out the weatherstrip had deformed, increasing resistance. Motor aging is another factor since daily use causes wear. I recommend using proper window lubricant for maintenance, but don't use engine oil as a substitute as it may damage components. If the window remains slow after cleaning and lubrication, it's best to have it checked at a professional shop.
Slow window movement is most commonly caused by lack of lubrication. Dust and debris accumulation in the tracks, or hardened/deformed rubber seals increase sliding resistance. Internal rusting of the regulator mechanism or pulley wear can also cause this. Another possibility is insufficient battery voltage affecting motor performance. I typically use dedicated window lubricant sprays on tracks and seals with good results. If the motor hums but moves slowly, it may be nearing failure. Addressing this issue early is advisable to prevent sudden jamming that could leave windows stuck open.
