A broken car window can be such a hassle. If you cannot roll down your vehicle window, it causes many inconveniences, such as not being able to go through the drive-thru at the pharmacy, bank, or fast food establishments.
You will be forced to open the door of the vehicle in order to complete tasks that are usually done more simply by rolling down the vehicle’s window.
Although a broken vehicle window can cause inconveniences, it does not affect the driveability of the vehicle.
In order to fix the vehicle window so it functions properly, you will more than likely need to repair the window regulator.
Although it is not convenient and can at times be pricey, making repairs is one of the requirements of owning your own vehicle.
Before replacing the window regulator, you should consider how much this project could possibly cost you before committing to the replacement.
The average cost for a window regulator replacement is approximately between $311 and $472. This is an average estimate and includes the combined costs of parts and labor.
The part itself is fairly inexpensive and normally costs between $213 and $284. Labor costs are usually priced between $98 and $124.
These price ranges do not include taxes and fees. They also do not include the specific vehicle or your location.
To receive a more accurate estimate for your vehicle, you will need to contact a professional mechanic.
Quick Navigation
- What is a Window Regulator?
- How do I Identify a Faulty Window Regulator?
- Should I Drive the Vehicle with a Faulty Window Regulator?
- When Should I Have the Window Regulator Replaced?
- Factors that Affect the Cost of a Window Regulator Replacement
- How Often Do Window Regulators Require Replacement?
- Window Regulator Replacement Cost Comparison for Popular Vehicles
- Should I Pay for the Window Regulator Replacement?
- Related Guides
What is a Window Regulator?
The vehicle’s window regulator is a mechanical device that moves your vehicle’s window up or down. A window regulator can be found on power and manually-operated window systems.
If your vehicle has electric windows, there is an electric motor located in each door. When the driver or passenger pushes the switch on the control panel, the window moves up or down.
The electric motor operates a mechanism inside the door called the window regulator. The window regulator is attached to the window glass inside the door.
If your vehicle has manual windows, the window regulator is similar to a steering crank and moves the window up or down when the crank is turned.
The window regulator is mounted inside your vehicle’s door panel. This keeps the window regulator safely hidden and out of the way of the driver or passenger.
How do I Identify a Faulty Window Regulator?
If one of your vehicle’s windows will not open, a faulty window regulator is probably to blame. If the window is moving and gets stuck as you are rolling it up or down, this might also be due to a faulty window regulator.
Other signs of a faulty window regulator might be clicking or grinding noises as the window is moving.
A badly damaged window regulator could even cause the window to drop inside the door panel.
Therefore, the following signs will allow you to identify a faulty window regulator:
- The vehicle’s window will not move up or down.
- The vehicle’s window falls down into the door panel.
- You hear an unusual noise as the vehicle’s window is moving up or down.
- The vehicle’s window is moving extraordinarily slowly.
- The vehicle’s window will not close completely.
- The vehicle’s window moves up or down in a crooked formation.
Should I Drive the Vehicle with a Faulty Window Regulator?
You can most definitely drive a vehicle with a faulty window regulator; however, keep in mind that if the window is stuck in the open position, you might want to be weather aware.
You should also consider the fact that your vehicle is not secure, so do not leave valuable items inside the vehicle.
Also, if the window is loose, you may want to try to position it in place until you can replace the window regulator.
You should be able to complete this task by holding it in place with a strong grade tape.
This will possibly keep the window secure and keep it from falling down inside the door panel and shattering.
When Should I Have the Window Regulator Replaced?
If the window will not open or close properly, or if it is making an abnormal noise, it is time to consider replacing or repairing the window regulator.
This task is something that you can hire a professional mechanic to complete, or you might be able to complete the project yourself in order to be more cost-efficient.
You can contact a local professional mechanic for a price estimate which will include parts and labor, or you can contact your local parts store for a window regulator part estimate, so you can complete the project yourself and save labor costs.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Window Regulator Replacement
Several factors should be considered concerning the costs of repairing or replacing a window regulator.
Type of Window Regulator
One factor that can affect the cost of a window regulator is whether or not the vehicle has a manual or automatic window regulator system.
The cost of repairing an automatic window regulator will be more expensive due to the fact that automatic window regulator systems are more modern and contain more intricate components.
Dismantling of the Door
A second factor that may affect the cost of a window regulator replacement is the fact that the door must be dismantled to complete the replacement.
Once the window regulator has been replaced, the door must be properly put back together. This task can take a few hours to complete.
Type of Problem
A third factor to take into consideration when planning the repair cost for replacing the window regulator is the type of problem you are experiencing with the window regulator.
The window regulator may only have a partial problem that would keep you from replacing the entire window regulator. Of course, this kind of repair would be less expensive than if the entire window regulator needs to be replaced.
How Often Do Window Regulators Require Replacement?
Just like most vehicle parts, window regulators can become faulty over time and need to be replaced. However, there is no recommended timeframe for window regulator replacement.
DIY Window Regulator Replacement
The parts needed to replace a window regulator are fairly inexpensive and completing this task yourself could be complicated.
However, if you have the proper knowledge and the correct tools, you should be able to complete this task yourself in just a few hours. Window regulator parts are fairly easy to locate.
They can be found in most parts stores and are usually available online.
It is best to begin by checking your vehicle’s manual before committing to this task. The manual will show you where the window regulator is located.
Steps for Replacing the Window Regulator
- Remove the switch panel.
- Test the motor connector.
- Remove the window.
- Replace the window regulator.
What Tools are Required to Complete the Window Regulator Replacement
- Socket set
- Screwdriver set
- Drill
- Vehicle manual
Window Regulator Replacement Cost Comparison From Leading Garage Chains (Quotes)
We have gathered a few pricing quotes for your window regulator replacement. These quotes do include parts and labor costs. Please keep in mind that these prices will vary depending on your location and the make and model of your vehicle.
- Local mechanic ($311 – $408)
- Midas ($172 – $472)
- Mr. Tire ($161 – $455)
- NAPA ($159 – $160)
Window Regulator Replacement Cost Comparison for Popular Vehicles
We have also gathered a few pricing quotes for the most popular vehicles on the road today. These prices should give you an idea about how much you can expect a window regulator replacement to cost you.
Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion has one of the least expensive prices for a window regulator replacement. The cost averages between $148 and $201. This includes labor costs of $80 – $100 and the parts costing $70 – $101.
Ford F-Series, Ford Focus, and Nissan Altima
The Ford F-Series, Ford Focus, and Nissan Altima offer another inexpensive option. The cost of the window regulator replacement averages between $235 and $281. This includes labor costs of $96 – $123 and the parts costing $139 – $166.
Honda Civic
To replace the window regulator in a Honda Civic, the cost averages between $260 and $460. This includes labor costs of $175 – $222 and the parts costing $90 – $240.
Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Corolla
To replace the window regulator in a Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Camry, or Toyota Corolla, the cost averages between $270 and $369. This includes labor and parts.
Honda Accord
To replace the window regulator in a Honda Accord, the cost averages between $336 and $469. This includes labor costs of $167 – $211 and the parts costing $169 – $258.
Should I Pay for the Window Regulator Replacement?
You may decide that your vehicle is not worth putting money into to replace the window regulator.
If you feel that your car is not worth making repairs, or if you decide that you would prefer to invest in a different vehicle, you will want to determine the best option for selling or trading in your vehicle.
You can do this by checking with your local dealerships.
You might determine that it is in your best interest to repair the window regulator before you decide to sell the vehicle or trade it in for another vehicle.
You may even choose to continue to drive the vehicle with a faulty window regulator. However, if you choose to do so, remember to be weather aware.
Also, keep in mind that the vehicle will not be able to offer a safe and secure environment for your valuables.
Hopefully, the pricing options and information that was provided to you will help you to make the best decision for your vehicle and your pocketbook.
