How to Replace a Window Regulator and Motor (Rear Driver)

Replacing your vehicle’s window regulator and motor assembly can help you keep the power windows working as they should, while also protecting your vehicle against weather and theft. We carry quality window regulators, power window motors, and regulator and motor assemblies designed to fit your vehicle as well as the tools you need to perform a complete DIY car window repair. Whether you’re repairing the driver’s window or a rear window, the parts professionals at O’Reilly Auto Parts have the components and advice to help you get the job done right. Visit your local O’Reilly Auto Parts or shop online to find the car window parts your vehicle needs to keep your power windows operating as they should.

Tools & Materials

Safety Eye Glasses Safety Glasses
Protective Gloves Gloves
Flathead Screwdriver Flathead Screwdriver
Painters Tape Painter's Tape
Trim Tool Set Trim Tool Set
Window Regulator and Motor Assembly Window Regulator and Motor Assembly

Step-By-Step Instructions to Replace Your Window Regulator and Motor

Is your vehicle’s power window stuck or no longer working? Replacing the window regulator and motor can help fix the issue of car windows not working. If you hear a clicking or grinding noise when trying to operate the windows, notice the windows roll up noticeably slower or faster than normal, or if your windows don’t work at all or have fallen into the door, it may be time for a new power window regulator and window motor from O’Reilly Auto Parts. It’s important to address signs of bad power windows before they become an issue that can leave your vehicle susceptible to weather conditions and theft.

This How-To details a power window regulator and motor assembly replacement on a 2003 Ford Focus’ rear driver’s-side door. Though replacing a window regulator and motor assembly is similar for many cars, repair procedures can vary by vehicle, so consult your service manual before beginning your repair if necessary for specific instructions. O’Reilly Auto Parts has step-by-step guides, power window replacement parts, and the expert advice you may need to get the job done right. Shop replacement power window motors, window regulators, and complete assemblies to restore your window’s smooth operation.

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In three images, our expert begins removing the panel of the rear driver side door.

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

Open the door and begin removing the door panel.
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Our expert removes the rest of the trim, the fasteners that secure the door panel and disconnects the window wiring harnesses.

Step 2: Remove the Door Panel Trim

Remove trim pieces and fasteners that secure the main door panel in order to access the regulator and motor assembly. Disconnect wiring harnesses to window switches and controls.
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Using the trim tool, our expert removes the insulation contents behind the door panel. This can include foam, paper, and a plastic debris shield.

Step 3: Remove the Interior Panels

Remove the foam, paper, or plastic water and dust shield behind the door panel. These panels may be secured by adhesive or tape, and can be brittle due to age. Be careful when removing this shield and insulation to prevent damage. Remove the foam piece by disengaging the clips securing it.

Do It Right: To fully remove the insulation, you’ll also need to remove the door handle and speaker from the door.

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In two images, the handle is pried off the door panel using a flathead screwdriver.

Step 4: Remove the Door Handle

Pry the front of the door handle loose with your trim tool then pull it gently the rest of the way out from the door. Set it to the side as best you can, or tuck it inside the door itself.
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Our expert begins removing the screws that secure the speaker and disconnects the wiring connector.

Step 5: Remove the Speaker

Remove the screws securing the door speaker, and pull it from the door. A factory-original speaker may have a wiring connector that can be removed, or the speaker may have two separate connectors that need to be removed to fully release the speaker. Use your trim tool to begin peeling back the insulation.
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In two images, our expert removes the window channel bolts and separates the old window channel from the door.

Step 6: Remove the Window Channel

Loosen or remove the window channel bolts and maneuver the window channel out of the door.
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The window control wiring harness is reconnected.

Step 7: Reconnect the Window Control Panel

Reconnect the window control to its wiring harness and lower the window. Now begin removing the window regulator and motor.
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Unplugging the Motor Assembly Wiring Harness

The regulator/motor assembly is unplugged.

Step 8: Unplug the Motor Assembly Wiring Harness

Unplug the wiring harness from the motor assembly.
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In three images, the plastic pin and outside collar behind the oval opening in the door is removed with a screwdriver.

Find the oval opening in the door with a plastic pin behind it. Push the inside of the pin through its collar and out by inserting a flathead screwdriver into the slot in the pin and tapping on the back of the screwdriver until it’s pushed through then remove the pin. Remove the outside collar of the pin by pushing it through with your screwdriver.
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In three images, the window is secure with painter’s tape, and the old regulator and motor assembly is removed from the vehicle.

Step 9: Remove the Old Assembly

Manually move the window all the way back up and use painter’s tape to hold it in place. Remove the bolts securing the regulator and motor assembly. If you’ve tucked the door handle into the door, move it to the side. Now lift the old assembly out of the access panel in the door.
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Installing Your New Window Regulator and Motor Assembly

In three images, the new window regular and motor assembly is installed.

Step 10: Install Your New Assembly

Move your new assembly into place inside the door and thread the bolts by hand. Once the assembly is secure, tighten the bolts.
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Our expert removes the painters tape and lowers the window by hand.

Step 11: Lower Your Window

Remove the painter’s tape from the window, making sure the window glass doesn’t drop. Lower the window slowly until it seats.
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The collar on the back side of the assembly is reinstalled and the wiring harness is reinstalled.

Step 12: Reconnect Your Assembly Wiring Harness

Reinstall the collar you removed from the back side of the assembly. Make sure it’s flush. Reinstall the inner pin, using your screwdriver to brace the collar as needed. Reconnect the wiring harness to the assembly by snapping it back into place.
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Our expert reinstalls the window channel and secures it.

Step 13: Reinstall Your Window Channel

Reinstall the window channel, making sure the window is in the channel and tighten the bolts to secure it.
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The insulation is reinstalled on the door panel.

Step 14: Replace the Interior Insulation

Move the insulation back enough to reinstall the door handle. It should clip back into place.

Move the insulation the rest of the way back across the door. Use double-sided waterproof tape to keep it in place if the original adhesive isn’t strong enough. Reinstall the foam piece by clipping it into place, starting at the bottom.
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Our expert reinstalls and secures the speaker to the door panel.

Step 15: Reinstall Your Speaker

Reinstall the speaker in your door. Use your socket wrench to secure the speaker to the door.
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The main door panel is reinstalled and secured to the vehicle. Any remaining trim piece are also reinstalled as well.

Step 16: Reinstall the Main Door Panel

Reinstall the main door panel, starting at the top, making sure the wiring harness for the window control is coming through its opening. Secure the door panel with the fasteners you removed earlier, and reinstall any trim pieces.
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Additional Resources

Someone using window button to roll up window

What are the Symptoms of Bad Power Windows?
Loaner Tools

Loaner Tool Program
Replacing Window Wiper Motor

How to Replace Your Windshield Wiper Motor

Replacing your vehicle’s window regulator and motor assembly can help you keep the power windows working as they should, while also protecting your vehicle against weather and theft. We carry quality window regulators, power window motors, and regulator and motor assemblies designed to fit your vehicle as well as the tools you need to perform a complete DIY car window repair. Whether you’re repairing the driver’s window or a rear window, the parts professionals at O’Reilly Auto Parts have the components and advice to help you get the job done right. Visit your local O’Reilly Auto Parts or shop online to find the car window parts your vehicle needs to keep your power windows operating as they should.

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.