How Much Does Power Window Repair Cost?

It’s something that most car owners don’t think about until it happens and the vehicle is out of warranty: The cost of repairing a car’s power windows system. On a vehicle equipped with power windows – the majority of models sold today, save for some ultra-low-spec trim levels on certain makes – each door contains a window regulator, which is the mechanical element that moves the glass down and up, plus a small electric window motor which operates the regulator. If all power windows in a vehicle cease to function, the cause could be a fuse that’s blown or another issue in the car’s electrical system; if it’s only one window that seems to be malfunctioning, the source could be the motor, regulator or both.

Breaking Down the Typical Charges Associated with Power Window Repair

Diagnosis via opening the door panel to see what’s going on in there typically runs $50 to $200 or more, depending on local rates, the make and model of the vehicle and whether work is completed by a chain repair shop or independent store owner (or dealership, which is typically the most expensive). The problem may simply come down to cleaning out debris and dirt so a window that’s “clogged” can move freely again.

If a window regulator needs to be replaced, this can cost $50 to $550 just for the part – and, again, this depends on the make and model, and whether the part is produced by the vehicle manufacturer (known as “OEM”) or another company (typically referred to as “aftermarket”). Then, there’s the labor, which can run $50 to $120 per hour for about one-and-a-half to three hours of work, bringing a potential total up to $100 to $900 or more.

Replacing a window’s motor can run anywhere from $40 to $300 just for the part, depending on make and model and whether the part can be sourced as an OEM item or aftermarket variant. Once again, for one-and-a-half to three hours of work, the labor charge can cost as much as $150 to $900 or more.

If both the window motor and regulator need to be replaced, expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $850 or more; however, this is sometimes a good preventative move even if only one part is broken.

In terms of what should be included, first and foremost should be determining why a power window refuses to work and then replacing the window motor or regulator, which generally equates to popping off the door panel and removing the glass.

Common Symptoms Associated with Failing Window Motor/Regulator Assembly

• If your window requires several additional presses of the power window button to close or if it is going down ever more slowly or even stopping, chances are your motor is wearing out.
• If you find that the window doesn’t close evenly or are beginning to hear banging noises inside your door, the assembly may need a closer inspection; the window regulator assembly can also come off track or even completely detach from the window.

Why is This Service Important?

When a window motor and regulator are functioning properly, it allows you, your passengers and your investment’s (i.e. your car’s interior) to remain safe and dry. From time to time, a window regulator will cease to work entirely without the window being fully closed; it goes without saying that getting this service done sooner is better than waiting for an outright failure to occur.