If you’re the owner of a car that’s getting old, you might need a window motor replacement. Unfortunately, once owners use power windows for a long time, they eventually die. After all, motors can’t last forever, especially the small ones used for your windows. How much does it cost to replace a car window motor? What does a window motor replacement actually entail? You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

When should I replace my car window motor?

Power windows in a car are one of the most convenient features that we take for granted. For the most part, it’s nearly impossible to buy a new car today without power windows. However, once in a while, the window will completely stop working. If you’re hearing a loud buzzing noise when pressing the window button, or it just flat-out doesn’t work, it might need a new motor.

According to iSeeCars, there are a few things that could cause your car’s power window to malfunction. For example, a bad relay, a short in the wiring, or the motor has seen better days. If the motor ends up being the issue, you’re going to have to replace it. Fortunately, the process isn’t too complicated or expensive for most vehicles, so worry not.

Car window motor replacement price

If all that needs replacing is the motor for the window, it will usually take about 2.1 hours. On average, that is roughly $120 to $150 in labor plus the cost of the motor itself. Depending on the make and model, the price of the motor may vary significantly. However, on average, iSeeCars says it should place the total somewhere in the $200 to $300 range.

Unfortunately, if you drive a model that is more difficult to disassemble and reassemble, labor time is increased. As a result, the mechanic‘s labor rate will obviously be a bit higher. Almost no one will pay the same amount for a replacement like this, but it’ll likely cost a few hundred dollars.

What if it isn’t just the motor?

If the power windows in your car stop working, you’re lucky if only the motor needs replacing. However, it’s perfectly plausible that multiple parts will need to be replaced. Moreover, if the window freezes in place when it stops working, it’s probably the motor itself. If the window regulator fails, the motor can fail and the glass will shoot downward at an excessive speed. As a result, the window can fall into the door and break or be out of sight and impossible to bring back up. Sometimes the window and regulator come as a single unit, which would mean both have to be replaced.

iSeeCars says if the regulator is part of the motor, it shouldn’t increase labor times. For the most part, it will take around the same amount of time to swap the part out since they are one unit. Unfortunately, the price of parts will be higher in this scenario. Additionally, buying aftermarket parts means paying more because most aftermarket manufacturers don’t produce them together. That means you’ll have to buy a $300 motor/regulator combo from a dealer instead of a $50 aftermarket window motor.

In conclusion, no matter what your situation is, it should only cost a few hundred dollars to replace your car window motor. Including labor and parts, $200 to $300 is a good range. It’s a fairly simple process for skilled mechanics and can be finished in a few hours. Furthermore, those needing a motor/regulator combo might have to buy from a dealer, which will increase the price.