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Window regulators are an extremely interesting part of a car that never receives any love or attention. From the day that the vehicle rolls off the assembly line, automotive door window regulators work endlessly moving the door glass up and down, giving the occupants of the vehicle the much beloved fresh air. Because of frequent window usage, window regulators and window motors are subject to intense wear. This often leads to breakage and inconvenience at the drive-up window.There are two basic kinds of window regulators: manual and power.
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Manual Window Regulators
A manual window regulator is the most basic of window lifting mechanisms. It always has some type of handle sticking through the door panel that regulates the up and down motion of the glass window. Humans are the "power" behind this type of regulator, as the window crank needs to be physically rotated to raise and lower the door glass. With so many vehicles coming with power windows these days, manual regulators are becoming scarce.
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Auto Door Locks
The switch is the assembly that applies power to the window motor. Depressing the switch applies voltage to the motor causing it to move. Depressing the switch in the opposite direction causes the motor to turn in the opposite direction. Window switches can be a group of buttons (commonly found on the front driver's side door) or a single switch. Window switches can also be grouped with power door lock switches and be console or dash mounted.
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Car Window Motors
If the glass moves a few inches and stops, then the motor is allowed time to cool down and will again move a few inches; the power motor will need to be replaced. If there is no sound coming from the motor, it may not be getting power or the motor itself may have an open circuit. Checking for power to the window's motor normally requires removing the door panel to access the wiring. After access to the power window wiring is gained, a test light or meter can be used to see if it is getting power and ground
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