SYMPTOMS OF A BAD POWER WINDOW MOTOR -

If you have a bad window regulator on your car, one of the reasons may be a bad power window motor.

The electric motor turns the window mechanism, enabling you to raise the window up and down at the press of a button.

But how to tell the difference between a bad motor and a bad window mechanism (which consists of pulleys, cables, brackets, or else)?

Well, although the symptoms are very similar, there are a couple of ways to conclude that the electric motor is, in fact, the problem.

Besides this website, you can also watch videos on our YouTube channel, where we have many car-related videos that may help with maintenance, driving, etc.

SYMPTOMS OF A BAD POWER WINDOW MOTOR

1. THE FUSE BLOWS OUT

The most obvious symptom of a bad power window motor is a blown fuse.

Now, this symptom is tricky since the fuse will blow out also due to a bad or stuck mechanism, but there is a slight difference.

When the mechanism is stuck, it takes a bit more time for the fuse to blow out. You press the button, the motor can’t turn, it overloads, and then the fuse blows.

But when the motor is faulty, the fuse will blow out immediately, as soon as you press the button. If you were to change the fuse, it would blow out again immediately.

If you want to see how to change a fuse, click here.

2. THE WINDOW WORKS INTERMITTENTLY

Next, the window sometimes works fine, but the next time it doesn’t work at all.

The window works fine dozens of times, only for it to stop completely the next time you use it.

It may suddenly start working when you hit a pothole or a speed bump, for instance.

This usually happens when the brushes or commutator in the motor get worn out or damaged.

3. THE WINDOW STOPS MOVING AND JITTERS

Another symptom is that the window, when lowered or raised, suddenly stops in one place and then starts to tremble and jitter.

Usually, it gets stuck in place and does not want to go up or down.

The reason for this is a bad plastic drive gear in the motor; the teeth on the gear get sheared, and the motor can’t turn the mechanism.

4. A SPECIFIC GRINDING SOUND

A more dramatic symptom is a specific kind of grinding sound when you use the power windows.

Unlike the sound of a bad window regulator mechanism, where you hear a lot of loud grinding, clicking, pinging of the cables, or else, with a bad motor, you’ll usually hear just one sound.

In most cases, it’s a distinct machine gun-like clicking sound accompanied by a vague grinding sound. And that’s all, you’ll probably hear no other sounds.

This can be caused by a bad drive mechanism within the motor, bad bushings, or otherwise.

If you want to see more information about repairing a bad window regulator, click here.

5. A BURNING SMELL

Finally, the last symptom you may notice, which is rare but can happen, is a burning smell when you try to use the power window.

This happens if the fuse does not blow on time.

A bad electric motor tends to heat up, start melting the inner parts of the motor, but also the wiring and connector leading to it, and this is what produces the bad smell.

If you notice this smell, be sure to check the fuse and, if possible, gain access to the electric motor and disconnect it.

CONCLUSION

In the end, a problem with a power window motor is pretty rare. These motors are very durable and long-lasting parts.

Most of the problems come from a worn-out or damaged mechanism, which then damages the electric motor.

A bad mechanism will overload the motor. It will put it under much more stress than it’s built for, and it will suffer damage. A couple of times of lowering and raising the window with a bad mechanism can seriously damage the motor.

Also, if you want to change the motor, be sure to check if the window mechanism works properly and smoothly, or you’ll damage the new motor.