How to Get the Driver's Window to Go Up When the Regulator Is Broken

A driver's window that will not open might be a minor embarrassment at a drive-through restaurant or bank, but a window that stays open allows anything to enter. Heating and air conditioning for the car interior literally goes right out the window. Rain can ruin the upholstery and any electrical switches mounted in the driver's door. A wet driver's seat will sour your motoring experience, to say the least. A temporary but effective remedy will forestall the immediate need for a proper repair.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable to disable door buzzers and dome lights. Open the driver's door. Remove window cranks, switches and bezels from the door interior trim panel. Remove any attaching screws found in the armrest hand hole or pull-strap. Locate and remove any additional screws concealed by carpeting or on the outer edge of the door panel.

2

Begin removing the door panel by pulling the bottom edge away from the door. Any hard resistance felt at this time may indicate the presence of an attaching screw previously undiscovered. Locate and remove any remaining screws. Disconnect any actuator linkage rods to door locks or handles as needed. Continue pulling the panel away from the door until it is free of attachment. Disconnect any wiring to lamps or accessories on the panel. Set the panel in the back seat or anywhere it can be stored safely.

3




A helper may be needed with frameless windows.

Reach inside the door and lift the bottom edge of the window to the full up position. Secure the window in place by adhering tape to the inside of the window and over the window frame to contact the outside of the window with no slack in the tape. Windows with no frame, like those found on convertibles, will require a helper or improvised wedges to hold the window in the up position.

4

Make a support for the window from anything that can be placed between the bottom edge of the window and the bottom of the door's inside surface. A broomstick cut to size or any suitable piece of wood or plastic pipe is a sufficient support. Take care in placement of the support. Excessive force in placement may break the window, while a sloppy fit will rattle loose with normal door usage. Use tape to secure the support, if necessary.

5

Test the repair by opening and closing the door a few times, taking care with any exposed wires or parts. Install the door trim panel in reverse order of removal. Leave the panel off if proper repairs are anticipated in the near future. Omit installing switches or cranks that control the driver's window to avoid unintended operation of the defective window regulator. Regulator movement may dismantle the repair. Restore the battery connection.