Power windows were introduced in cars in the early 19th century, but were only available in luxury cars at that time. Due to its popularity, it became a standard in the automobile industry. It was more user-friendly than their manual counterparts and greatly enhanced the ride experience.
Speaking of its mechanism, a power window generally comprises a battery, switch, gears and motors. For a properly working power window, all of these parts should be functional. A fault in any of these parts can cause the window to malfunction, leaving you unable to roll it up or down as desired.
Apart from component malfunction, there are many other potential reasons behind faulty power windows. Let’s take a closer look at the reason and different ways to fix car power windows.
Common Reasons for Faulty Power Windows
There are multiple reasons why your car power window is not working. Here we have listed some of the most common causes of car power window malfunction.
Fuse: The power car functions are controlled by the car computer through a fuse. In case of a blown fuse, the car computer will not be able to transmit signals to the window, and it will malfunction.
Lock: The modern cars are equipped with multiple safety features, including a child lock. Therefore, if the child lock is engaged, the windows will not roll up.
Motor and Switch: The car power window has a motor and a switch that plays a major role in its movement. If any of it malfunctions, the window will be stuck.
Car Door: The car power window will not roll up if the car door is not shut down properly or has been dented due to an accident.
Weather: In extreme weather conditions, snow or dust particles accumulate over the window and may hinder the functionality of the power window.
All of the aforementioned reasons can result in a malfunctioning window that can trouble the travellers, but no need to panic. There are multiple ways of troubleshooting these problems that will answer you on how to fix the car power windows.
Ways to Troubleshoot Car Power Window
The power window is a complex mechanism and its malfunction can be caused by a number of underlying issues. It is best to get it fixed by a professional, but it helps to learn some handy tips and tricks to troubleshoot and fix car power windows on your own. To cater to this, see the following ways of troubleshooting a stuck car window.
Check the Safety Lock and Blockage
As mentioned above, engaged safety locks or any physical obstruction over the window can be the most common reason for window malfunctioning. Therefore, the first way of troubleshooting is to check for these physical obstructions.
First, check for child lock engagement. Engage and re-engage the lock to make sure it’s working properly and is not engaged anymore. Now, closely inspect the malfunctioning window and remove any element that can hurdle the window’s function.
Look for Blown Circuit
Sometimes, the problem is not associated with the window but with the whole electric circuit of the car. Once you have checked for physical obstructions, move towards the electric circuit. The easiest and most convenient way of checking circuit functioning is by the car dashboard lights. If the dashboard lights are working and are not indicating any malfunctioning, then the car circuit is working properly.
Restart the Car
The last step of a quick power window fix is turning the ignition off and on. Switching the ignition on and off will restart the car computer and electronics. This can possibly remove any glitch that may be preventing the window from rolling up.
Slam Car Door
Power windows are set over a track that is motor operated. In some cases, the window pane slips from its track which hurdles the window in rolling up. You can identify it by the tilted glass window pane. If this is the case, door slamming is a simple yet effective way to fix it.
Press the window button and close the car door with force. Repeat the process three to four times, the glass pane will be adjusted on its track, and the motor will start working.
Palm the Glass Window
The next method to troubleshoot a stuck car power window is by using your palm. Open the car door and use your legs to hold it in place. Now, sandwich the window between your palms and ask someone to press the window button and pull the window upwards. Make sure not to put your hands or fingers at the top of the glass as it can result in an accident.
Strike the Door
Striking the method is similar to that of slamming the door. Hit the car door in the centre from the outside with your palm. Repeat the process three to four times and try to roll up the window. Make sure not to use any tool for this, as it can damage the car paint and exterior
Manual Way of Fixing the Car Window
If you have a basic knowledge of automobiles and mechanics, then you can use this method for car power window repair.
- Step 1: The first step is to remove the door panel attached to the car body with the help of screws, generally five. Unscrew them and remove the panel to access the power window system.
- Step 2: Now, look for the clasps holding the window regulatory mechanism. Unscrew them to roll down the window.
- Step 3: Look for the motor located on the right side of the panel. Identify the problem with the motor and fix it to make the window function.
In case there are some major problems in the car window, then you might need professional assistance. In this situation, screw back all the parts and pay a visit to a repair shop.
This was all about different ways to troubleshoot and fix car power windows. It is one of the issues that can become a nuisance for drivers and passengers. A timely fix will ensure a comfortable ride for all. If your car has more issues that are hindering the ride experience, you can consider buying another car in better condition. Browse through these used cars in the UAE to find a suitable vehicle.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on power window repair cost.
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