Houston Power Window Motor Repair and Replacement
Don’t let the Texas heat or sudden downpours catch you off guard with a malfunctioning power window. At Affordable Auto Glass in Houston, we can diagnose and fix power window motor issues for all makes and models.
We use quality replacement motors to restore the reliability you expect from your vehicle’s power windows, and we can also replace your window glass if it has become irreparably damaged. Let our auto glass experts get you back on the road quickly with our expert auto glass repair and replacement services.
Signs of Power Window Motor Failure
When your power window motor starts to go bad, you’ll likely notice some clear signs. Here’s what to look for:
- Slow Movement: The window goes up or down much slower than it used to. It might seem sluggish or hesitant.
- No Movement at All: You press the button, but nothing happens. The window doesn’t move, and you might not hear any sound from inside the door.
- Intermittent Operation: The window works sometimes, but not others. It might go down but not up, or vice versa, or only work sporadically.
- Weak or Jerky Movement: The window might move a little bit, then stop, or it might go up or down in a jerky, uneven way.
- Unusual Noises: You might hear grinding, clicking, or whirring sounds coming from inside the door panel when you try to operate the window.
- Window Stops Partway: The window starts to move but then stops before reaching the top or bottom. You might have to repeatedly press the button to get it to close or open fully.
Is it the Motor or the Regulator?
It can be tricky to tell if it’s the motor or the regulator that’s causing your power window problems in Houston. However, the symptoms can often give you a good clue. If there is no sound at all, slow or weak movement, humming or grinding sound without any window movement, or the window only works in one direction, it’s probably your motor.
If you hear the motor working but the window doesn’t move, or it makes clicking or popping sounds, it’s likely the regulator. If your glass goes up and down at an angle, doesn’t align properly with the top of your door frame, or falls down inside the door, that’s also a regulator issue.
Sometimes both the motor and regulator can fail simultaneously or as a result of each other. Diagnosing the exact cause often requires removing the door panel for a closer inspection of the components.
Why Power Window Motors Fail in Houston
The power window motors in your vehicle can fail for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, these can be amplified or happen more quickly than expected because of the climate here in Houston.
- Wear and tear due to frequent use. Power windows are used almost every time you drive, whether it’s to stop at a drive-thru window, release built-up heat from your parked vehicle, or simply to speak to someone. This constant operation leads to the gradual wearing down of the motor’s internal components. Over time, the power window motor simply reaches the end of its lifespan like any mechanical and electrical component.
- Extreme heat, humidity, and dust. Our intense summer heat can directly impact your power window motor. High temperatures can cause the motor’s internal components to overheat, leading to premature failure or burnout. The heat can also affect the lubrication within the motor, causing increased friction and wear. In addition, the high humidity levels in Houston can contribute to corrosion within the motor and its electrical connections. And the high levels of dry dust and springtime pollen around the city can allow fine particles to enter the door panel via the window glass and potentially contribute to additional friction and strain on the motor.
- Issues in the vehicle’s electrical system. Problems in your vehicle’s wiring like shorts or loose connections can cause your motor malfunction or fail. You may also have a faulty window switch, which causes it to send incorrect or erratic signals to the motor.
When is Motor Replacement Necessary?
If you press the power window switch and there’s absolutely no response – the window doesn’t move and you don’t hear any whirring or clicking from inside the door – the motor has likely failed completely and needs replacement. If the window struggles to move, going up or down very slowly and with noticeable effort, the motor is likely losing power and will eventually fail. Replacing it sooner rather than later will prevent the window from getting stuck unexpectedly at an inconvenient time and place. Lastly, if the window will only go up but not down, or vice versa, it often indicates an internal failure within the motor that controls the direction of movement. Replacement of the motor assembly is usually the only solution.
Please note: if there is ever a burning smell emanating from the door panel when operating the window switch, this is a serious sign of an overheating or short-circuiting motor. Stop using the window immediately and schedule a motor replacement to prevent further electrical damage or even a fire hazard.
Power Window Motor Service for All Makes and Models
No matter what you drive in Houston, our expert technicians can provide comprehensive power window motor service for all makes and models of vehicles. These include:
Replacing the Glass for Your Power Windows
If the glass in any of your power windows – front or rear, driver or passenger side – is cracked, shattered, or missing, we offer fast, affordable car window replacement. We use high-quality factory direct glass, and will make sure it’s the perfect match for your make and model.
Free Quote for Houston Power Window Motor Repair
Get a free, no-obligation quote for expert power window motor replacement from Affordable Auto Glass. Our experienced technicians will assess your vehicle and provide you with transparent pricing and reliable service.
