What causes the right rear door window to not roll up or down?
2 Answers
The right rear door window may not roll up or down due to the window lock function being activated, obstructions or dirt in the window guide channel, overheating of the window regulator motor, or a malfunctioning control switch. Window lock function activated: Most modern vehicles are equipped with a feature that allows independent control of the passenger side and rear door windows to be disabled. When this function is activated by pressing the corresponding switch (usually located on the driver's side door panel), the window switches on the respective doors become inoperative. Obstructions or dirt in window guide channel: Many higher-spec vehicles come with anti-pinch protection for power windows. Foreign objects in the guide channel, deteriorated channel rubber, or excessive dust accumulation can trigger this safety feature, preventing the window from rolling up. Window regulator motor overheating: The window's movement is controlled by an electric motor. Frequent operation can cause the motor to overheat, triggering a thermal protection mode that temporarily disables window operation until the motor cools down. Control switch malfunction: In older vehicles with extensive use, the window control switches may fail due to repeated operation. Initial symptoms include requiring excessive pressure to activate the switch, progressing to complete failure over time.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered the issue of the right rear window not rolling up or down several times. The most common cause is a broken or faulty switch button—if pressing it doesn't respond, the switch needs inspection. Another likely issue is a malfunctioning window motor, especially in older cars where prolonged use can lead to motor burnout. Accumulated dust or insufficient lubrication in the door panel's guide rails can also jam the window's movement. Wiring problems are frequent too, such as a blown fuse—simply locate and replace the corresponding fuse in the engine compartment's fuse box. Sometimes, loose or corroded wiring connections in the door cause short circuits. The control module might occasionally fail; for cars with button memory, an initialization reset may be needed. The fix is straightforward: first, check if other windows work to rule out child lock settings. DIY part replacements save money, but for complex issues, visit a professional shop to avoid further damage. Regularly cleaning the window tracks effectively prevents jamming problems.
