What causes the car window to go up and then automatically come back down?

[MargaretDella]

The reasons why the car window goes up and then automatically comes back down are as follows: 1. Tight sealing strip: If the window sealing strip is too tight, when the window rises to the highest position, it will trigger the window anti-pinch function, causing the window to automatically descend; 2. Obstruction in the glass track: If there are foreign objects or dust on the glass track, it can also trigger the window anti-pinch function; 3. Faulty window controller: If the window controller malfunctions, professional repair at a maintenance shop is required. First, check if the window sealing strip shows signs of aging, as it is located at the top of the door frame. If the sealing strip is damaged, it should be replaced promptly. To prevent premature aging of the strip, avoid exposing the vehicle to direct sunlight whenever possible.

[StPeyton]

I had the same issue with my car window before. The mechanic said it was most likely caused by the anti-pinch function. Nowadays, all cars have this safety feature - if there are leaves or small stones stuck in the track during window operation, the sensor thinks it's pinching a hand and automatically lowers the window. It could also be due to aging rubber seals sticking to the glass or worn-out motor gears slipping. My decade-old car has an even more extreme case - the windows move sluggishly after rain. The repairman said rainwater causes the rubber seals to expand, increasing resistance and triggering the anti-pinch function. Actually, you can try holding the window-up button for 10 seconds to reset the system, then spray some dashboard wax on the rubber seals for lubrication. This often saves hundreds in repair costs.

[LaDaniel]

I've experienced the window rolling back down three times. The first time was when a relative's kid stuck a coin in the window gap, triggering the anti-pinch feature. The second time, the 4S shop found that the window regulator bracket was deformed, causing the glass to tilt. The most recent one was even weirder—during a sound system upgrade, the door panel wiring got pinched, and the resistance value changed, making the computer misjudge the resistance. The most ridiculous case I remember was a car enthusiast who applied too thick a sunshade film on the inside of the glass, causing it not to seat properly in the track, so it rolled back. If you ask me, first listen to the sound when the window rolls up: a clicking noise might mean there's a foreign object, a squeaking sound is usually a seal issue, and if the motor is spinning without resistance, it's definitely a bracket or gear problem.

[Hall]

My old Camry had the same issue fixed last year. The repair shop found the problem only after removing the door panel – the cable in the window regulator had derailed like a bicycle chain slipping off, causing the window to drop when raised to the top. The mechanic said this is particularly common in German and American cars, especially in winter when the rubber seals harden and increase resistance, putting too much strain on the cable and causing it to deform. They also advised me not to park under trees often, as small branches falling into the track can accumulate over time, making the anti-pinch function overly sensitive.