Wiktor Wise
A stuck electric window in your car can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to lock up for the night or bad weather is approaching. Luckily, there are a few methods you can try to get it closed. Some common causes of power window failure include blown fuses, faulty switches, wiring issues, and motors or regulators that have gone awry. Before attempting any fixes, it's important to be gentle with the glass to avoid a full replacement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| If the window is all the way down | Check if the window glass rocks back and forth when trying to roll it up. |
| If the window glass rocks | Remove the door panel and lift the window up from the inside while pushing the switch. |
| If the window glass does not rock | Check the window safety lock-out switch. |
| If the lockout switch is activated | Deactivate the switch. |
| If the lockout switch is not activated | Check the fuse box for blown fuses and replace if necessary. |
| If the fuse is not blown | Check the voltage meter with the engine off. |
| If the voltage meter budges | The switch is fine, and the window motor is probably bad. |
| If the voltage meter does not budge | The switch is likely faulty. |
| If the switch is faulty | Replace the switch. |
| If the switch is fine | Try the 'door shut method' by turning the ignition key on, pressing and holding the window switch in the closed position, and shutting the door firmly. |
| If the door shut method does not work | Try the 'window relearn' process. |
| To prevent windows from getting stuck | Operate windows regularly to keep the mechanisms moving smoothly. |
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What You'll Learn
Check if the child safety lock is on
If your electric window is stuck, it is important to check if the child safety lock is on. Most vehicles have a power window child safety lock feature that prevents children from opening or closing the windows. Child locks are usually small switches built on the edge of the rear doors. These can be manual or electrical.
If your car has a manual child lock, use the key's detachable key blade to turn the knob. The door's knob control will only block that particular door, not both rear doors. Cars with an electric child safety lock do not have a manual child lock. The electric child lock can be activated and deactivated in all ignition positions above 0. If the lamp in the button is illuminated, the child safety lock is enabled.
If you are unsure whether your window is stuck because of the child lock, try opening the door and locating the lock switch. This should be found just below the latch on the outside edge of the door. Slide the switch to the other side to deactivate the child lock. If you need to activate the child lock, simply slide the switch in the opposite direction.
If your window is stuck in the down position, you may be able to roll it up without any tools. If the switch is operational and the motor is faulty, you may be able to get the window to roll up one last time by jarring the motor with the switch held in the up or closed position.
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Inspect the fuse box
If your electric window is stuck, one of the possible causes is a blown fuse. To inspect the fuse box, you must first locate it. Typically, a fuse box is a grey or black rectangular metal box with a door at the front. It is usually located in the basement, garage, or a closet, mounted on a wall close to the electric meter.
Once you have located the fuse box, place a rubber mat on the floor in front of it and stand on it. Open the box and turn on a flashlight to inspect the fuses. Look closely at each fuse. A good fuse will have a clear window, whereas a blown fuse will have a cloudy black or grey window.
If you identify a blown fuse, you will need to replace it with a new one of the same amperage rating. Fuses in homes typically come in 15, 20, and 30-amp sizes. It is important to never replace a fuse with one of higher amperage as this could create a fire hazard.
Before replacing the fuse, ensure you have identified the affected circuit. Do this by going around the house and turning lights on and off until you find the location where the lights do not turn on. Once identified, turn off the light switches and unplug electrical devices in that area. Turn off the house power at the main switch.
Now you can proceed to replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage rating. Screw the new fuse into the threaded socket and turn on the house power. The circuit should now be functioning again. Close the fuse box door.
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Check the voltage meter
If your electric car window is stuck, one of the first things you can do is check the voltage meter to determine whether the problem is electrical.
To check the voltage meter, you can use a multimeter, which can be purchased at most accessory shops. A multimeter can check current, voltage, and resistance readings. It may also include other settings for measuring engine speed and dwell angle.
Before measuring the voltage, ensure that you have set the meter to the correct settings. Set the meter to volts and probe the circuit with the other probe earthed. If your car uses a negative earth system, attach the lead marked negative or (-) to the body. If your car uses a positive earth system, attach the lead marked positive or (+) to the car body. You can check your car handbook to determine the polarity of your car.
Once you have the meter set up correctly, connect the meter across the battery terminals and turn the ignition key to the "on" or "accessory" position. If the other windows are able to operate, and you can turn on the radio, then you have the key in the right position. With the engine off, push the window switch. If the voltage meter budges, even slightly, this indicates that the electric window motor is trying to work, and you probably have a bad window motor.
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Try the door shut method
If your electric window is stuck, one method you can try to close it is the door shut method. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, turn the car on by setting the ignition to the "on" position. This will ensure the window motor is activated. Then, press and hold the window switch in the up or closed position. It is important to keep the button depressed throughout the process.
Next, with the button held down, open the car door and then shut it firmly. Do not slam the door too hard as this can cause further damage. While hitting the door, continue to hold down the window switch in the direction you want the window to move. If the window starts to respond and move upwards, keep the switch held down until it is fully closed.
If this method does not work the first time, you can try it a few more times. However, if it still does not work, you may need to try a different method or seek professional help. This method is a temporary fix, and it is recommended to have a professional evaluate the window even if you successfully close it using this method.
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Reset the window motor
Resetting the window motor typically involves a process of re-synchronisation. This can be done by following these steps:
- Ensure that the car is on, with the key in the accessory or 'on' position.
- Make sure the windows are completely closed.
- Roll the window down completely and hold the auto button for 2-10 seconds.
- Roll the window up completely and hold the button again for 2-5 seconds.
- Repeat this process for each window.
If this does not work, there are a few other methods to try. Firstly, you can try lubricating the windows and the window motor reel with waterproof silicone spray. This will reduce friction and make it easier for the sensor to interpret when the window is closed.
Alternatively, you can try resetting the power window switch. With the car on, push down on the window switch until the window is fully open, holding the switch down for at least 2 seconds after. Then, pull up on the switch until the window is fully closed, holding again for 2 seconds.
If the issue persists, it may be necessary to replace the window motor. This involves disconnecting the motor from the window and regulator, and then inserting a new motor. It is recommended to refer to a service manual specific to your vehicle when replacing the motor, as methods can vary.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three main reasons for power windows to fail: blown fuses, bad switches, and burned-out motors. It could also be due to a worn-out, bent, or stuck window regulator.
If the switch is fine and the motor is bad, you may be able to get the window to roll up by jarring the motor with the switch held in the up or closed position. Here are the steps:
- Turn the ignition key to the on position.
- Press and hold the window switch in the closed or up position.
- With the window button depressed, open and then slam the car door.
If your window is all the way down, you will be unable to close the window without removing the door panel. If you are able to remove the door panel, you may be able to lift the window up from the inside while pushing the switch.
If none of your windows are working, it could be due to a blown fuse. Replace the fuse by opening the panel door, identifying the fuse associated with your windows, and replacing it with a new one if the wire element is melted or burned.
