Question: How do you fix a car window that’s off track? I was driving with my windows down, but it was too hot so I tried to roll them up. I’m not sure what happened, but one of my windows did not roll up correctly.
Answer: If your car window is off track, we generally recommend taking your vehicle to a professional for repair, especially if you have power windows. If you don’t have much automotive experience, trying to fix an off-track window at home could lead to door or window damage—and because of the complex electrical systems used in power windows, it can be hard to determine what caused the issue in the first place.
How to put a car window back on track
If you’re a more experienced DIY mechanic, you have a window with a hand crank, or you’re just determined to get in there and take a look yourself—here’s what to do:
1. Disconnect the door components
If you have power windows, unplug the window switch cluster and disconnect any speakers in the door. Then, remove any attachments that may keep you from removing the door panel, including the door handles, armrests, cup holders, and window crank (if you have one).
Pro tip: Find specific instructions for removing the door panel on your make/model to know what you need to remove.
2. Take off the door covering
To remove the door panel, you’ll need to undo all of the interior door screws and fasteners—take your time with this. Then, pry off the door panel and remove the plastic vapor barrier if there’s one present.
3. Examine the window and track
Once the door panel is off, check whether the window is sitting in the track. If it is, but the glass is still sagging or drooping, the track is likely broken and you’ll need to replace it.
Next, examine the window track for rust, dirt, or damage. Repair any clips, tracks, or other components that may be damaged, then clean and lubricate the window rollers and tracks.
4. Examine the regulator, cables, wirings, and motor for damage
Disconnect the power cable attached to the regulator motor, then use a voltmeter to check whether the window motor is functioning correctly. If the window switch works when you toggle it, the reader will go from +12 volts to -12 volts, which means the motor is good. If it reads anything else, the motor, regulator, or wiring is likely bad.
Also, visually inspect the cables and wirings that attach the regulator and door motor. If you see any apparent damage, you’ll need to replace those as well.
5. Realign the window
Realigning the window is usually easier with two people, so grab a friend if you can. First, line up the glass window with the bottom of the window opening. Then, gently press the window until the sides are lined up inside the frame channels.
6. Put everything back together
Working in reverse, reconnect any wiring and test the window to make sure it’s working again. If it is, reattach all of the window and door components, and put on the door panel.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Giselle Gomez is an editor with over a decade of experience editing content across personal finance, education, travel, and sports. In editing for Jerry, Giselle’s focus is on making sure content is consumer and SEO-friendly and helping readers understand all things car ownership. In prior roles, she worked as a content strategist, syndication editor, and writer. Her work is featured in AP, NerdWallet.com, BestColleges.com, and more. Giselle holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University.
