Power windows are a wonderful convenience for anyone who has ever had to wind a window crank. However, when the motor malfunctions, you may find yourself wishing you had a crank for the window, because the window won't work. The motor turns the electronic signal from the window switch into mechanical energy that moves the window regulator in order to move the window glass up or down. Anyone with mechanical aptitude and basic automotive repair skill can replace a window motor in less than two hours.
Pry the window switch bezel out of the door panel with the trim tool. Unplug the window switch from the wiring harness and set the bezel off to the side.
Remove any screws from the door panel with the Phillips screwdriver. The screws are usually located along the bottom, behind the window switch bezel and along the leading and trailing edges of the panel. Screw location and amount will vary depending on the year, make and model of vehicle you're working on.
Look between the door panel and see if the door panel anchors to the door with trim pins. If not, lift the door panel off the door by hand. If the panel is attached to the door with trim pins, pull them out with the trim tool first.
Shove the window glass to the fully upright position by hand. Hold it there and then tape it in place by running the packing tape from one side of the glass, up over the window frame and down onto the other side of the glass.
Unbolt the window motor from the door and window regulator with the socket set. Unplug the wiring harness from the old motor by hand.
Insert the new window motor into the door, bolt it to the door and to the window regulator with the socket set and then plug the wiring harness into the motor by hand.
Reinstall the door panel in reverse of how you removed it.
