🔧 Rear Window Regulators - Replacement

The rear window regulator raises and lowers the window glass. On your Accord, the door panel must come off first, then the regulator and motor assembly can be removed from inside the door. If both rear windows are failing, replace both regulators at the same time.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before working inside the doors. This helps prevent accidental airbag or electrical issues.
• Use care around the side airbag area in the door. Do not probe yellow connectors or wiring.
• Support the glass before removing the regulator so the window does not drop.
• The door panel has hidden clips and wiring; pry gently to avoid breaking trim pieces.
• Keep fingers clear of the regulator scissor tracks and cable spool.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim clip tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Torque wrench
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Masking tape
• Pick tool
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear left window regulator assembly - Qty: 1
• Rear right window regulator assembly - Qty: 1
• Rear window regulator mounting hardware kit - Qty: 2
• Door panel clip set - Qty: 2
• Vapor barrier adhesive or butyl tape - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and open the rear door you are repairing.
• Lower the window glass partway if it still moves.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait a few minutes before starting.
• Have masking tape ready to secure the glass.
• Take photos of clip and connector locations.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear door panel

• Use a trim clip tool and plastic trim removal tool to pry off the door handle trim, switch bezel, and any visible covers.
• Use a Phillips screwdriver and 10mm socket to remove the screws hidden behind trim pieces and in the armrest area.
• Pull the door panel straight away from the door to release the clips.
• Disconnect the window switch connector and any lamp or speaker connectors.

Step 2: Secure the glass

• Use masking tape to hold the glass fully up against the door frame.
• If the glass is already down, carefully lift it by hand before taping it in place.
• Keep the glass fully supported.

Step 3: Remove the vapor barrier

• Use a plastic trim removal tool and pick tool to carefully peel back the vapor barrier.
• Try not to tear it. Save it for reinstallation.

Step 4: Disconnect the regulator and glass

• Use a 12mm socket and ratchet to loosen the regulator fasteners inside the door.
• Lower or raise the regulator by hand as needed to access the glass mounting points.
• Remove the glass-to-regulator bolts or clips with the 12mm socket or Phillips screwdriver, depending on how the glass is attached.
• Carefully lift the glass out of the door frame and set it in a safe place.

Step 5: Remove the old regulator assembly

• Use the 12mm socket, ratchet, and short extension to remove the regulator and motor mounting bolts.
• Work the assembly out through the large service opening in the door.
• If the regulator is twisted, rotate it slowly until it clears the opening.

Step 6: Install the new regulator

• Feed the new regulator assembly into the door through the service opening.
• Start all bolts by hand first so nothing crosses threads.
• Use the 12mm socket to snug the regulator mounting bolts.
• Torque to factory specification.

Step 7: Reattach the glass

• Lower the regulator until the glass mounting points line up.
• Set the glass back into the regulator clamps or bracket.
• Use the 12mm socket or Phillips screwdriver to tighten the glass fasteners.
• Torque to factory specification.

Step 8: Test the window before reassembly

• Reconnect the window switch connector temporarily.
• Reconnect the battery negative cable.
• Turn the key on and use the window switch to run the window up and down.
• Make sure the glass tracks smoothly and stays straight.
• If the movement is crooked, stop and realign the glass before continuing.

Step 9: Reinstall the vapor barrier and door panel

• Press the vapor barrier back into place using the original adhesive or new butyl tape.
• Reconnect all electrical connectors.
• Hang the door panel on the top edge, then press the clips back in.
• Reinstall all screws and trim pieces with the Phillips screwdriver and 10mm socket.

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✅ After Repair

• Cycle the rear window several times and listen for binding or popping.
• Check that the glass seals evenly at the top.
• Confirm the door panel is fully clipped in and there are no rattles.
• If the window has auto-up features, reinitialize it if needed by holding the switch at the full up position for a few seconds.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $330-$550 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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