Imagine it's a hot summer day and you're cruising down the street, wanting to roll down the window and feel the breeze… except the car window is stuck. It won't budge. What now? In some scenarios, a faulty car window does require some expertise and special equipment, but there are some tips and tricks you can use for a temporary fix if you're not able to get to a repair shop immediately. Whether it's a manual or an electric window, here's how to determine what the problem could be and how to fix a car window that won't go up or down.
Possible Causes Of a Car Window That’s Stopped Working
There are a number of reasons why you could be having problems with your windows, but there is a marked difference in cars with manual windows versus electric. Many modern cars, such as base models in the Jeep Wrangler lineup, still have crank-driven windows. Here are the various checks you can cover to diagnose potential problems:
Manual Windows
Problematic manual windows are much easier to diagnose and repair than electric windows are, as there are only three possible reasons for the mechanism to not be working. These are:
- Stripped crank gears
- Damaged regulator
- Derailed window pane
Power Windows
Power windows that have stopped working can be a lot more difficult to fix depending on the problem, as there are electronics involved. Alongside the possibility of a window pane being off track, electric windows can be faulty due to fuses, a burnt-out motor, a faulty window switch, or even simple human error involving the lock-out switch. So, what should you do if your reliable Hyundai Elantra suddenly won't let the fresh air in?
How To Fix a Car Window That Won’t Go Up or Down
Once you've determined why your car window won't go up or down, you can follow these tips to either fix the problem or at least get the window in the closed position temporarily before getting to a professional:
Manual Windows
- Stripped crank gears: To see whether or not the issue pertains to the crank, turn the window crank, and if it feels like it's slipping or if the stuck car window makes a grinding noise, then it's likely that the crank's teeth are stripped. If this is the case, you'll have to remove the door panels and replace the crank mechanism.
- Damaged regulator: The regulator is the mechanism that pushes the window pane up and pulls it down when the window crank is turned. Sometimes something within the door panel can impede the mechanism by getting caught in it. It could be worn after years of use, or sometimes it could be lacking grease. You'll have to open up the door panel and check for any of these issues, in which case you'll need to either fix, replace, or regrease the mechanism.
- Derailed window glass: Especially with an older vehicle, it's very possible that the actual window pane itself has just dislodged itself from the running channel in the door frame. If it's off track, you'll see no movement even if you crank the handle. It needs to be slipped back into place, once again by removing the door panel.
Power Windows
- Safety lock-out switch: This is a really simple one, but it could happen to anyone. Sometimes the safety lock-out switch on the driver's-side window controller could have been activated. Whether it was activated by mistake or you just forgot that you activated it earlier, just make sure that it is turned off if the window switch isn't responding.
- Faulty window switch: Are all the windows stuck, or just one? If all the windows have stopped working, there is clearly a loss of power somewhere. This could be caused by a bad relay or fuse, but the master switch may be the cause. If it's a specific window that doesn't work with the designated switch in the door panel near it, the switch itself is likely the problem. You may still be able to activate it from the master switches at the driver's door. The switch may need to be replaced.
- Broken Window Motor: If you hear a faint noise coming from inside the door panel when you use the power button, but the window isn't moving up or down, it could be the car window motor that's broken. In this case, it will need to be replaced. Sometimes it may just have overheated and need to cool down.
- Faulty Fuses: Most cars utilize a single circuit to run power to all of the windows. So if all of the car's windows aren't working, it could be that the fuse has blown. You can find the fuse box either in the engine bay, under the dashboard, or in the glovebox. If you can't tell whether it's a blown fuse or not visually, you can use a voltmeter or test light to check power on both sides. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage rating. If that doesn't work, there could be a short in the circuit or a failure as a result of corroded wiring.
- Derailed window: If the switch button is still working and you've determined that it's not the motor that's faulty, it may be the glass is off track. This requires the same intervention as with manual windows.
Tips For Electric Windows That Won’t Roll Up
If you're in a pinch and need to get the window closed, here are some things worth trying if your car's electric windows won't roll up and you don't have any tools on you;
- Turn the vehicle on or to the accessory position
- Pull and hold the window switch in the up position
- Open the door and slam it shut firmly several times to try to jolt the motor into action.
- If this doesn't work, close the door and see if you can locate where the window glass is making contact with the sheet metal on the inside of the door panel.
- Pull and hold the window switch in the closing position again.
- Slam the area where the window is making contact with the door's sheet metal being careful not to injure your hand or damage the car.
- If you do have a bit of window available to grip, you can also sandwich the window between the palms of your hands and - as someone pushing the window switch - try to raise the glass manually.
- If the window does roll up, leave it be. Don't roll it down until you're ready to get it repaired. If the window just won't roll up, you'll have to take it to a professional.
