What to Do If the Window Regulator is Broken?
3 Answers
If there is abnormal noise from the window glass shaking, it may indicate that the window regulator screws are loose. The solution is to tighten the regulator screws. If the window regulator is stuck, it might be due to deformed or damaged window channels. The solution is to clean or replace the window channels. If all window regulators stop working, it could be because the ground wire of the combination switch is detached or the main power wire is disconnected. The repair method is to check the circuit.
I previously had an issue with my car window not rolling up properly. First, check if the fuse is blown—it's usually located in the fuse box under the steering wheel on the driver's side. If the fuse is intact, the problem might be with the window regulator motor or the switch. I once took off the door panel myself and saw the steel wire guide rails inside; if they get stuck or the wire breaks, the window won't work. It's especially troublesome when you can't close the window on rainy days. Once, I had to use waterproof tape to temporarily seal the gap around the window as an emergency fix. I recommend taking it to a professional repair shop—they can test the electrical circuits and mechanical components. Replacing the entire window regulator assembly usually costs around 300-400 RMB. If you're handy, you can also buy the parts online and replace them yourself. To prolong its lifespan, try to avoid getting hard objects stuck in the window while rolling it up or down.
My old car's right front window always made squeaking noises when rolling up, and later stopped moving completely. A friend taught me to lightly tap the door while pressing the switch, which sometimes helps loosen stuck components. They also showed me how to test the window switch circuit voltage with a multimeter, and the readings were normal. We concluded it was a broken window regulator bracket, and upon disassembly, found the plastic pulley had aged and cracked. Temporarily, I tied the glass with thin rope to prevent it from sliding down, but it needs fixing soon to avoid water leakage during rain. Now during annual maintenance, I ask the mechanic to spray lubricant on the window tracks to reduce metal friction wear. If the motor burns out, there will be a burnt smell, requiring a complete replacement—no shortcuts allowed.
