What is a Power Window Motor?

Also called a window lift motor, or automobile glass lift motor, the power window motor is the electrical motor that when attached to the power window regulator, raises the window glass up and down.

The electrical connection is carried via the power window switch, which when depressed or raised creates an actuation telling the window motor whether to move forward or backward. As the motor gear moves forward and backward, the regulator gear or cable spool wheel is also moved.

Symptoms of power window failure include slowing over time. Anything over than 7 seconds from top to bottom should be of concern, especially in a newer vehicle. The motor may also stop in the middle of travel on the way up and then after a period of time, may continue to the top of travel. Motors rarely have difficulty on the way down, as they have gravity on their side and the weight of the glass on their backs. It’s on the way up where a motors true strength is tested.

Noise is rarely associated with window motor failure with the exception of those with inherent inner gear issues such as Nissan and Mazda. In those vehicles, a crunching noise will be present similar to a failing regulator, however it is indeed the motor that’s causing your problem.