What is a window regulator?

When driving on the road, it's not uncommon for drivers to feel the need to open their vehicle's windows to let in some fresh air. And when it's possible to open and close car windows, it's thanks to the various window regulators built into vehicle doors. A window regulator is a mechanical system that raises and lowers a vehicle window. Also known as a power window, it's located inside your door and can be electric or manual.

There's one for each window. This system is connected to a switch (electric model) or crank (manual model) that allows you to control the opening and closing of your car's window.

However, these devices are subject to heavy use, which can lead to failure, often requiring the replacement of the window regulator's connections or even the entire mechanism.

Types of Power Window Regulators

There are 3 types of power window regulators:

Manual window regulators: Once iconic and inextricably linked to the automobile in the minds of motorists, the manual window regulator and its timeless crank have largely fallen out of favor. Today, only a few low-cost or entry-level models are equipped with these devices, which must be turned by hand to open and close the windows.

Automatic or convenience window regulator: A simple push of a button and the window opens or closes automatically.

Classic window regulator: Constant pressure on the button and release to move the window to the desired position.

How does the mechanism of a power window work?

There are two types of mechanisms for power window regulators: scissor and cable.

Scissor mechanism: The mechanism is inspired by a pair of scissors. Steel pieces cross each other and are positioned horizontally when the windows are lowered and in an X-shape when they are raised.

Cable operation: The system consists of a metal element, a pulley, and a vertical cable that raises or lowers your window. This cable, when activated by the window regulator controls, adjusts the position of the glass.

Where are they located?

Window regulators are located inside the vehicle doors. The window is attached to a slider that moves up and down along a track.

When should a window regulator be replaced?

Like all heavily used mechanical components in automobiles, power window regulators are subject to failure. The most common failures of these mechanisms are improper contact between the mechanism and the controls, problems related to the condition of the cables, or faulty gears.

If you notice certain symptoms, such as rattling or squeaking noises, or an unusual slowdown when raising or lowering your window, you'll probably need to replace your window regulator.

If you can still hear the motor sound but the window does not move, the mechanism is probably defective.

If you can't hear the motor noise when you press the regulator, the motor needs to be replaced.

How much does a window winder cost?

The price of a window regulator varies depending on its type (electric cable or scissor/manual). The price of a power window regulator can range from about $60 to $130. Add to this the cost of labor: expect to pay between $70 and $200 to replace an electric window regulator.

It is sometimes possible to repair the window without completely replacing it. Expect to pay $80 for an electric window regulator.