🔧 Rear Window Regulators - Replacement

The rear window regulator moves the glass up and down inside the door. On your Accord coupe, the door panel and glass assembly must be handled carefully so the glass does not drop or crack during removal.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the window glass before loosening the regulator.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable if the door has side airbag wiring in the panel area.
• Do not turn the ignition on while connectors are unplugged if you are working near door switches.
• Use tape to hold the glass in place once it is raised.
• Handle the glass with two hands.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Trim panel removal tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat blade trim tool
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Extension set
• Torque wrench
• Painter’s tape
• Needle-nose pliers
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear window regulator - Qty: 1 per affected door
• Door panel clip set - Qty: 1
• Vapor barrier adhesive or butyl tape - Qty: 1
• Window motor - Qty: 1 if replacing with the regulator

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Lower the window until the regulator bolts are visible through the access holes, if the window still moves.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable if you will unplug the door harness.
• Have tape ready to secure the glass before removing the regulator.
• Work with the door fully open.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear door trim panel

• Use the trim panel removal tool, Phillips screwdriver, and flat blade trim tool to remove the screws and release the door panel clips.
• Lift the door panel straight up and unplug any electrical connectors.
• Set the panel aside on a clean surface.

Step 2: Peel back the vapor barrier

• Use the flat blade trim tool to carefully lift the vapor barrier without tearing it.
• Save the barrier for reuse unless it is damaged.

Step 3: Secure the window glass

• Use painter’s tape to tape the glass to the door frame from the outside.
• This keeps the glass from falling when the regulator is removed.

Step 4: Disconnect the glass from the regulator

• Use the 10mm socket, ratchet, and extension set to remove the glass-to-regulator bolts through the access openings.
• Support the glass with one hand while removing the last fastener.
• Move the glass up fully and tape it in place.

Step 5: Remove the regulator assembly

• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the regulator mounting bolts.
• If the motor is attached to the regulator, unplug the connector first.
• Rotate and maneuver the regulator out through the large service opening.

Step 6: Install the new regulator

• Feed the new regulator into the door through the service opening.
• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to start all mounting bolts by hand first.
• Torque to Honda factory specification for the regulator mounting bolts.

Step 7: Reattach the glass

• Lower the taped glass carefully until it lines up with the regulator clamps.
• Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to install the glass-to-regulator bolts.
• Torque to Honda factory specification for the glass fasteners.

Step 8: Test the window movement

• Reconnect the window switch connector if unplugged.
• Use the switch to run the window up and down before reinstalling the panel.
• Make sure the glass tracks smoothly and does not bind.

Step 9: Reinstall the door panel

• Press the vapor barrier back into place with new vapor barrier adhesive or butyl tape if needed.
• Reconnect all electrical connectors.
• Use the trim panel removal tool and Phillips screwdriver to reinstall the panel and screws.

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✅ After Repair

• Run the window through several full cycles.
• Listen for scraping, popping, or uneven movement.
• Make sure the glass seals fully at the top.
• If the one-touch function is lost, perform the window initialization procedure if equipped.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$700 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $220-$450 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?

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.