🔧 Rear Window Regulator - Replacement

The rear window regulators control glass movement inside both rear doors. Replacing both sides is best done as a pair so the windows move evenly and you only remove the door trim once per door. Support the glass before unbolting anything.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 4-6 hours for both doors

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting to prevent accidental shorts.
• Keep hands clear of the regulator tracks. They can pinch fingers hard.
• Support each glass panel any time the regulator is disconnected.
• Do not let the glass drop into the door shell.
• If equipped with side airbag wiring in the door, do not probe yellow connectors.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 7mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Trim panel removal tool (specialty)
• Torx T20 screwdriver
• Torx T30 screwdriver
• Painter's tape
• Pick tool
• Flat plastic pry tool
• Torque wrench
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear window regulator assembly - Qty: 2, replace in pairs
• Rear window regulator motor - Qty: 2 if not included with regulators
• Rear door panel clip set - Qty: 2 sets
• Water shield adhesive tape - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
• If one rear window still works, raise it fully before disconnecting power.
• Use painter's tape to secure each glass in the fully raised position before removing the regulator.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear door trim panel

• Use a 7mm socket to remove the visible screws in the pull handle and lower trim area.
• Use a trim panel removal tool to release the clips around the panel edge.
• Lift the panel upward to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Disconnect the switch connector and any speaker connector.

Step 2: Remove the water shield

• Use a flat plastic pry tool to peel the water shield away carefully.
• Keep the adhesive clean so it can be reused or replaced.
• Do not tear the barrier.

Step 3: Secure the rear glass

• Raise the glass fully if needed and hold it with painter's tape across the door frame.
• Make sure the tape supports the glass before unbolting the regulator.
• Repeat this process for the other rear door before moving on if both windows are being replaced.

Step 4: Disconnect the glass from the regulator

• Use a 10mm socket or Torx T30 screwdriver if equipped to remove the glass clamp fasteners through the access openings.
• Slide the glass upward out of the regulator clamps if needed.
• Keep the glass supported and taped in place.

Step 5: Remove the regulator and motor assembly

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the regulator mounting bolts.
• Use a Torx T30 screwdriver to remove any motor or carrier screws, if equipped.
• Rotate and maneuver the assembly out through the large access opening in the door shell.
• Torque on installation: Tighten regulator mounting fasteners to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).

Step 6: Install the new regulator

• Compare the new part to the old one before installing.
• Feed the regulator into the door opening and position it on the mounting points.
• Start all bolts by hand first, then tighten with a 10mm socket.
• If the motor is separate, transfer or install it now using a Torx T30 screwdriver.
• Torque on installation: Tighten motor fasteners to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).

Step 7: Reattach the glass

• Lower the taped glass carefully into the regulator clamps.
• Use a 10mm socket to tighten the glass clamp bolts.
• Torque on installation: Tighten glass clamp fasteners to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).
• Remove the tape only after the glass is fully secured.

Step 8: Reinstall the water shield and door panel

• Press the water shield back into place with the original adhesive or new tape.
• Reconnect the door switch and speaker connectors.
• Hang the trim panel on the window ledge, then press the clips in with your hands.
• Install the screws with a 7mm socket.
• Torque on installation: Door panel screws to 2.5 Nm (22 in-lbs).

Step 9: Repeat on the other rear door

• Repeat Steps 1 through 8 on the opposite rear door.
• Use the same tool sizes and torque specs on both sides.
• Keep bolts and clips separated by door.

Step 10: Restore power and test both windows

• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
• Cycle each rear window down and up several times.
• Listen for smooth movement and make sure the glass seals evenly.
• If auto-up or pinch protection acts odd, fully lower and fully raise each window once or twice to relearn its limits.

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✅ After Repair

• Check both rear windows for smooth travel with no binding or clicking.
• Verify each glass lines up with the weatherstrip.
• Test both rear switches if equipped.
• Look for any air or water leaks after a short road test.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,400 for both rear doors (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$500 for both rear doors (parts only)

You Save: $520-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 hours for both doors.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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