Fixing Broken Power Windows

Is there really anything better than being able to roll down your windows on a hot summer day, or on a beautiful spring evening? This enjoyable exercise can very quickly take a turn for the worse when the windows won't roll down. While many people may be a little wary of trying to fix a power window it's really not all that difficult. In order to begin fixing broken power windows, there are a few simple steps that you need to do.

Keep in mind that there are a few things that you need to remember when fixing a broken power window yourself. The first is that you may not be able to do everything yourself. This article will talk about how you can fix some of the more common problems with a broken power window. If you happen to come across anything that is particularly difficult or specialized you may still need to take the car into a mechanic to allow him to do the repairs.

1. Remove the door paneling. In order to begin fixing a broken power window, you need to first remove the door panel. This will give you an unobstructed view to the inner workings and more easily identify where the problem exactly lies. Often the door paneling is held in place by a couple of screws found near or under the door handle. Remove these screws and then apply some firm but gentle pressure to pop the paneling free from the plastic divots that hold it in place.
2. Inspect the tracks. Once you have removed the paneling take a quick look at the tracks. If the window itself has gotten off track you can often simply realign the window and tighten the tracks to repair the problem. If this is the case, you can simply reattach the door panel.
3. Inspect the weather stripping. Take time to inspect the weather stripping around the window on the door. In many cases this weather stripping can come loose and create an obstruction that will not allow the window to move as freely as it should. Often times, this problem is found in conjunction with the window being forced off of the tracks, so be prepared to repair that problem as well.
4. Test the electronics. If you have a voltmeter, use it to test the how well the electrical system's wiring is working. Keep in mind though that you will want to disconnect the batter from the car to ensure that you do not accidentally get electrocuted or damaged in some way. If you happen to find that the electronic wiring is not working, then you may need to have an expert replace them. Another common item that you may want to inspect is the actual motor that drives the scissor jack that raises and lowers the window glass. If the motor looks damaged in some way, have a mechanic replace it.
5. Let the professionals handle it. If you find anything particularly difficult with the window (such as the electrical system or motor) then you really need to leave it to the professional to fix and replace. This is more a safety measure than anything else. After all you are going to be working with electricity, and if you aren't careful you could very easily create a problem that could lead to a fire.
6. Replace the door paneling. Once you have identified what the problem is and either fixed it, or decided to have a professional repair the problem start putting everything back together. You really don't want to be driving around in a car that has the paneling off of it.