🔧 Accord - Rear Window Regulator Replacement

The rear window regulator is the cable-and-rail mechanism that raises and lowers the glass. Replacing both rear regulators requires removing each door panel, securing the glass, and removing the regulator through the door’s access opening.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours for both rear doors

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the 12-volt battery before unplugging or removing door components.
• ⚠️ The orange high-voltage hybrid cables do not need to be touched for this repair.
• ⚠️ Wear cut-resistant gloves because the door shell has sharp metal edges.
• ⚠️ Secure the glass before removing its mounting bolts. Unsupported glass can fall and shatter.
• ⚠️ Apply painter’s tape only to clean painted surfaces and remove it promptly after the repair.
• ⚠️ Do not switch the vehicle on while the window motor is disconnected.
• ⚠️ Keep the moisture barrier intact; water leaks and electrical damage can result if it is not resealed.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4-inch drive ratchet
• 1/4-inch drive 6-inch extension
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Plastic trim-removal tool set
• Small 90-degree pick
• Flat-blade screwdriver, 3mm tip
• Torque wrench, 2-20 Nm range
• Painter’s tape, 25mm minimum width
• Magnetic parts tray
• Plastic scraper
• Cut-resistant work gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Left rear window regulator assembly - Qty: 1
• Right rear window regulator assembly - Qty: 1
• Rear window regulator motors - Qty: 2, only if not included with the regulators
• Rear door trim-panel clips - Qty: 12 recommended
• Automotive butyl sealing tape - Qty: 1 roll

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📋 Before You Begin

• 📍 Park your Accord on level ground, select Park, apply the parking brake, and switch the vehicle completely off.
• 🪟 If the window still operates, move the glass until its two mounting bolts align with the door’s access openings.
• 🔋 Open the hood. Use a 10mm socket to loosen the negative 12-volt battery terminal, remove it, and isolate it so it cannot spring back onto the post.
• ⏱️ Wait at least three minutes before unplugging door wiring.
• 🚪 Complete one rear door at a time so the assembled side can serve as a reference.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the Inside-Handle Trim

• Open the rear door and lower the window if it still operates.
• Use a small 90-degree pick to carefully lift the small screw cover behind the interior door-release handle.
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the screw behind the cover.
• Use a plastic trim-removal tool to release the handle trim without scratching it.
• Store every screw by its removal location.

Step 2: Remove the Armrest Fastener

• Use a plastic trim-removal tool to lift the rear edge of the window-switch panel.
• Lift the panel gently, press the electrical connector lock, and unplug the switch.
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove the exposed armrest screw.
• Do not pull on the wires when disconnecting the switch.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Door Panel

• Insert a plastic trim-removal tool between the panel and door at the lower corner.
• Work around the bottom and sides, releasing one push clip at a time.
• Lift the entire panel straight upward to unhook it from the window ledge.
• Disconnect any remaining electrical connector by pressing its locking tab.
• Release the interior-handle cable from its bracket and rotate the cable end out of the handle lever.
• Place the panel on a clean, padded surface.

Step 4: Open the Moisture Barrier

• Use a plastic scraper to separate the moisture barrier from its black butyl adhesive. Butyl is the reusable, sticky sealant around the barrier.
• Peel back only enough barrier to expose the regulator, motor, and glass fasteners.
• Keep dirt away from the adhesive so it can be resealed.
• Use painter’s tape to hold the barrier away from the work area.

Step 5: Position and Secure the Glass

• If necessary, temporarily reconnect the window switch and 12-volt battery so the motor can align the glass bolts with the access openings.
• Switch the vehicle off again. Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery terminal, then wait three minutes.
• Use painter’s tape to secure the glass to the upper door frame with at least three long strips.
• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to loosen and remove the two glass-to-regulator bolts.
• Support the glass with a gloved hand while removing the final bolt.
• Carefully raise the glass fully by hand, then add more painter’s tape to hold it securely.

Step 6: Disconnect the Window Motor

• Press the connector lock and unplug the electrical connector from the regulator motor.
• Use a plastic trim-removal tool if the connector is tight; do not pry against the wires.
• Release the wiring harness retainers from the regulator where applicable.

Step 7: Remove the Old Regulator

• Use a 10mm socket, 6-inch extension, and ratchet to remove the regulator rail and motor mounting bolts.
• Support the regulator while removing the last bolt so it does not drop inside the door.
• Fold the rails inward as needed and guide the complete assembly through the largest lower access opening.
• Do not bend the window tracks or scrape wiring against the door’s metal edges.

Step 8: Transfer the Motor if Required

• Skip this step when the new regulator includes its own motor.
• Place both assemblies in the same orientation on a clean surface.
• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the motor fasteners, then transfer the motor without unwinding or moving the regulator cable.
• Use a torque wrench with a 10mm socket to tighten the motor fasteners to Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
• Do not operate a loose motor because it can damage the regulator cable.

Step 9: Install the New Regulator

• Guide the new regulator through the lower door opening in the same orientation as the original assembly.
• Start every mounting bolt by hand before tightening any of them.
• Use a torque wrench and 10mm socket to tighten the regulator and motor mounting bolts evenly to Torque to 9.4 Nm (83 in-lbs).
• Reconnect the motor connector until its locking tab clicks.
• Reattach all wiring retainers so the harness cannot contact the moving regulator.

Step 10: Attach the Glass

• Support the glass, remove enough painter’s tape to lower it slowly, and align its mounting holes with the regulator carriers.
• Verify that the glass remains inside both vertical guide channels.
• Start both glass bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench and 10mm socket to tighten the glass bolts to Torque to 9.4 Nm (83 in-lbs).
• Remove the remaining painter’s tape from the glass and paint.

Step 11: Test the Regulator Before Closing the Door

• Confirm that tools and hands are clear of the door cavity.
• Reconnect the switch connector and use a 10mm socket to reconnect the negative 12-volt battery terminal.
• Switch the vehicle to ON mode and operate the window through one complete down-and-up cycle.
• Watch the glass carefully. Stop immediately if it tilts, binds, clicks, or leaves either guide channel.
• Switch the vehicle off and use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery terminal again before reassembly.

Step 12: Reseal the Moisture Barrier

• Press the original butyl adhesive firmly around the full edge of the moisture barrier.
• Use a plastic scraper to seat the barrier without tearing it.
• Add automotive butyl sealing tape anywhere the original adhesive is damaged or no longer sticky.
• Make sure the bottom edge is sealed so rainwater stays inside the door’s drainage path.

Step 13: Reinstall the Door Panel

• Reconnect the interior-handle cable and confirm that its outer sleeve locks into the bracket.
• Reconnect the window-switch wiring.
• Hang the upper edge of the panel over the window ledge.
• Align every push clip with its hole, then press around the panel by hand until each clip snaps into place.
• Replace broken clips before seating the panel.
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to reinstall the armrest and interior-handle screws until snug; do not overtighten them.
• Use a plastic trim-removal tool to press the screw cover and switch panel into place.

Step 14: Repeat on the Opposite Rear Door

• Use the same tools and repeat Steps 1-13 on the other rear door.
• Keep left- and right-side regulator assemblies separate because they are not interchangeable.

Step 15: Reconnect the Battery

• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to install the negative 12-volt battery terminal securely.
• Confirm that the terminal cannot rotate by hand.
• Remove all tools and close the hood.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Switch your Accord to ON mode and close all doors.
• 🪟 At each replaced rear door, press and hold the switch until the window reaches the bottom.
• 🪟 Pull and hold the switch until the window closes completely, then continue holding it for at least one second. This initializes the automatic window function.
• 🔁 Operate each window through at least three complete cycles and verify smooth, even movement.
• 🔒 Test the rear switches, driver’s master switch, window-lock button, and automatic reversing function.
• 🚪 Check the interior door handles, locks, courtesy lights, and speaker operation.
• 💧 After the first rain or wash, inspect the lower door-panel edge for signs of a moisture-barrier leak.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹24,000-₹45,000 for both rear doors, including parts and labor

DIY Cost: ₹10,000-₹24,000 for both regulators and installation supplies

You Save: ₹14,000-₹21,000 by doing it yourself!

Labor rates around Sonīpat vary by workshop. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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