🔧 CX-5 - Rear Window Regulator Replacement

On your CX-5, the rear window regulator is the mechanism that moves the glass up and down. Replacing it requires removing the rear door trim panel, securing the glass, then swapping the regulator (and sometimes the motor) inside the door.

Before I give you the exact trim-accurate steps and torque specs, I need 2 quick details:

• 🔹 Which rear door: left (driver-side) or right (passenger-side)?
• 🔹 Are you replacing regulator only or regulator + motor assembly (power window motor)?

Reply with those two answers and I’ll lay out the full step-by-step with the correct fastener locations and torque specs.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔹 Keep fingers clear of the regulator arms/cables; they can snap or pinch.
• 🔹 Support the window glass with tape before unbolting anything.
• 🔹 Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before unplugging the window switch/motor.
• 🔹 Battery disconnect is recommended if you’ll be unplugging multiple door connectors.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Plastic trim removal tool set
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Flat-blade trim screwdriver
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3" extension (1/4" drive)
• Torque wrench (in-lb or low Nm range)
• Painter's tape (2" wide)
• Pick tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear window regulator - Qty: 1
• Rear window motor - Qty: 1 (only if replacing motor)
• Door panel trim clips - Qty: 6-12 (as needed)
• Butyl tape (vapor barrier adhesive) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🔹 Park on level ground and open the rear door fully.
• 🔹 If the window is stuck partway down, do not force it; we’ll secure it once the panel is off.
• 🔹 If you choose to disconnect the battery: use a 10mm socket to remove the negative terminal and isolate it.
• 🔹 Have painter’s tape ready to hold the glass to the door frame.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Paused — I need your 2 answers first

• Once you tell me left/right rear door and regulator-only vs regulator+motor, I’ll provide the full numbered steps with the correct connector locations, bolt locations, and the exact Torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs) values.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔹 Verify the window goes fully up/down without clicking or binding.
• 🔹 Check the door locks, speaker, and courtesy light all work before fully snapping the panel back on.
• 🔹 Make sure the vapor barrier is sealed all the way around to prevent water leaks.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$700 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80-$250 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$450 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.