How to Fix a Door Window on a Car

A broken window on you car is very annoying and it can cause damage as water can get inside and short out the electronics. Fixing this window as soon as possible is the best option. This process is the same whether it is a manual or power window with exception to the window motor on a power window.

Things You'll Need

  • Door trim clip tool
  • Screwdriver set
  • Basic hand tool set
  • Two-part epoxy
  • Electric drill
  • Metal drill bits
  • Rivet gun
  • Window support tool or tape
  • Shop vacuum

Window Regulator Replacement

  • Remove all of the screws holding the door panel in place using a screw driver and a ratchet with a socket.

  • Pull the door panel off using the panel clip tool to pry the clips out of the frame. Remove any wires that are preventing the panel from coming completely off.

  • Hold the window up using the window support tool or tape. Remove the two bolts holding the window to the regulator.

  • Unbolt the regulator from the door skin using a ratchet and a socket. Pull the regulator through the hole in the door skin. Use caution to sake all of the old bolts as they fall of, they will be of use later.

  • Place the new regulator inside of the door frame and bolt it into the same holes used by the old one.

  • Release the window gently so it doesn't break and slowly lower it down to the new regulator.

  • Line the holes on the window clip up with the holes on the regulator and bolt it in place using a ratchet and socket.

  • Re-wire any wires that connect the door panel to the frame and line up the panel clips with the holes in the frame. Hit the panel with the palm of your hand until the clips lock into place.

  • Screw in any bolts or screws that hold the door panel in place. Roll the window up and down to verify operation.

Power Window Motor Replacement

  • Remove any bolts and screws that are holding the door trim panel in place.

  • Pry the door trip clips loose using the trim clip tool. This will free the door panel from the frame so keep a good grip on it.

  • Disconnect any wires and cables that are connecting the door trim to the frame. Pull the door trim panel away from the frame and set it aside.

  • Roll the window all the way up and secure it with tape or the window holder.

  • Drill out the rivets holding the window motor to the regulator. There should be three to four rivets holding it. Remove the motor by simply pulling it from the regulator and pulling it through the holes in the door frame.

  • Put the new motor in place by putting it through the holes and the frame and lining it up with the existing holes.

  • Fixing the motor to the regulator varies between models. Some of them you will have to use a rivet gun to attach it to the regulator. Others come with nuts and bolts to fix it to the regulator. Either way, simply line up the holes and connect with whatever fasteners are required.

  • Reconnect any wires and cables that were disconnected to remove the panel. Line the door panel clips up with the holes on the frame and hit the panel with the palm of your hands until the clips snap into place.

  • Reinstall any bolts or screw that were removed from the door panel. Roll the window up and down several times to verify proper operation.

Replacing Broken Door Window

  • Remove any bolts or screws that are holding the door panel to the door frame.

  • Pry off the door trim clips using the door trim clip tool. This will free the door panel from the door, so keep a secure grip on the panel.

  • Disconnect any wires or cables that are keeping the door panel connected to the door frame. Pull the door panel from the car and sit it off to the side.

  • Remove the bolts that are holding the plastic clips to the window regulator and pull the clips from the regulator.

  • Vacuum up any broken glass from the door frame using a shop vacuum.

  • Place the new window guides in the regulator and bolt them into place.

  • Mix the epoxy on a piece of cardboard or wood and fill the window guides with the mixed epoxy.

  • Slide the replacement window glass into the track and seat it on the freshly epoxied guides. Allow the epoxy to cure for the amount of time specified in the instructions.

  • Reconnect any wires or cables that were removed to allow the panel to come free.

  • Place the door panel on the frame, lining up the trim clips with the holes in the frame, hit the panel with the palm of you hand until the clips snap into place.

  • Reinstall any bolts or screws that hold the panel into place.

  • Roll the window up and down several times to verify proper operation.