🔧 Rear Window Regulator - Replacement

The rear door window regulator moves the glass up and down. If the window is slow, crooked, noisy, or stuck, the regulator or cable assembly is usually worn out and needs replacement.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting. This prevents accidental power window movement.
• The door glass is heavy. Support it with tape before removing the regulator.
• Be careful with the side curtain airbag area inside the door trim.
• Keep the ignition off while the door is open and the regulator is disconnected.
• If replacing both rear regulators, do one door at a time to avoid mixing parts.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 7mm socket
• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 1/4-inch ratchet
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Trim panel removal tool
• Pick tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Torx T20 screwdriver
• Torx T30 screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Painter's tape
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear door window regulator - Qty: 1 per door
• Rear door vapor barrier adhesive tape - Qty: 1
• Door panel retaining clips - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Lower the rear window slightly if it still moves, then disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Have painter's tape ready to hold the glass up once the regulator is removed.
• Work with one rear door at a time.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear door trim panel

• Use a trim panel removal tool to pop off the trim cover behind the door handle and any small covers hiding screws.
• Remove the door panel screws with a 7mm socket, Torx T20 screwdriver, or Phillips screwdriver depending on position.
• Use the trim panel removal tool to release the clips around the edge of the door panel.
• Lift the panel upward to unhook it from the top of the door.

Step 2: Disconnect the electrical connectors

• Use your hands and a pick tool if needed to disconnect the window switch connector and any speaker or courtesy light plugs.
• Set the trim panel aside in a safe place.

Step 3: Remove the vapor barrier

• Peel back the vapor barrier carefully. Use a flat-blade screwdriver only if needed to start a corner.
• Save the barrier if it is reusable. Replace the adhesive if it tears.
• Keep the sticky side clean.

Step 4: Secure the glass

• Reconnect the battery temporarily if needed, then use the window switch to move the glass until the regulator bolts are visible through the access holes.
• Disconnect the battery again.
• Use painter's tape across the top of the door frame and over the glass to hold the window in place.

Step 5: Unbolt the glass from the regulator

• Use an 8mm socket or 10mm socket to remove the glass-to-regulator fasteners.
• Carefully slide the glass upward by hand and make sure it stays taped in place.

Step 6: Remove the old regulator

• Disconnect the motor connector from the regulator assembly.
• Use a 10mm socket or Torx T30 screwdriver to remove the regulator mounting bolts.
• Rotate and guide the regulator out through the large service opening in the door.

Step 7: Install the new regulator

• Insert the new regulator into the door the same way the old one came out.
• Hand-start all mounting bolts first, then tighten with a 10mm socket or Torx T30 screwdriver.
• Torque to 10 Nm (89 ft-lbs) for typical small regulator fasteners unless your replacement kit specifies otherwise.
• Reconnect the motor connector.

Step 8: Reattach the glass

• Lower the taped glass carefully until it sits in the regulator clamps.
• Install the glass fasteners with an 8mm socket or 10mm socket.
• Torque to 8 Nm (71 in-lbs).
• Remove the painter's tape only after the glass is fully secured.

Step 9: Test window operation

• Reconnect the battery.
• Use the window switch to run the glass fully up and down.
• Listen for binding, clicking, or uneven movement.
• If the window has auto-up/down, perform the relearn procedure in Step 10.

Step 10: Relearn the window position

• With the door closed, cycle the window fully down and fully up using the switch.
• Hold the switch in the up position for a few seconds after the glass closes.
• Repeat once more if the one-touch function does not work correctly.

Step 11: Reinstall the door trim panel

• Reconnect all electrical connectors.
• Press the vapor barrier back into place and reseal it.
• Hang the door panel on the top edge, then press the clips into place around the perimeter.
• Reinstall all screws with a 7mm socket, Torx T20 screwdriver, or Phillips screwdriver.
• Reinstall all trim covers.

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✅ After Repair

• Test the window several times from the switch and the driver master switch.
• Check that the glass seals evenly at the top.
• Verify the door panel does not rattle.
• If the window still moves unevenly, recheck the regulator alignment before driving.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $90-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $260-$480 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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