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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a window motor regulator?
Where can I get my window motor regulator replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my window motor regulator?
What happens if I don’t replace my window regulator motor assembly?
What is a window motor regulator?
Can I replace my window motor regulator myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a window motor regulator?

The average cost for a window motor/regulator replacement is about $300 to $450. This total cost includes $200 to $300 for parts and $100 to $150 for labor costs. The actual cost for your window motor/regulator replacement will depend on the type of vehicle you drive.

How long does it take to replace a window motor regulator? It usually takes around one hour for a certified mechanic to replace a window motor regulator. A mechanic will typically inspect your power window mechanisms, then determine whether a regulator and/or motor replacement are necessary.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my window motor regulator replacement?

There are two main components at play for this replacement: the window regulator and the window motor:

Window regulator: They all do the same work, but window regulators can come in various different forms. Window regulators can commonly cost $50 to $800 or more to replace, with prices varying depending on its type. Power window regulators, especially those that are already equipped with a motor, are typically more expensive than those for manually operated windows.

Window motor: Window motors are commonly already included in many window regulator assemblies, but some may need to be purchased separately if both parts need replacing. The cost of a power window motor alone can vary widely, with common prices ranging anywhere from $30 to $500.

Your mechanic can determine whether any additional parts also need replacement in your situation.

Some popular window motor brands include Dorman, ACDelco, Cardone Industries and more. You can purchase window motors from auto shops like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts, from online retailers like Amazon and eBay, or from specialty automotive shops.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

Choosing an OEM window motor/regulator assembly replacement can guarantee a proper fit for your vehicle. While you might sometimes find a better deal or higher quality with an aftermarket option, it’s important to do your research and make sure it’s compatible with your specific vehicle first.

Where can I buy parts for my window motor regulator replacement?

Many auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts sell window motor/regulator replacement parts.You might also find compatible options on Amazon or eBay, or from other specialty automotive shops. Some popular window motor brands include Dorman, ACDelco, Cardone Industries and more. A dealership or auto repair shop may be able to help you find information about the specs you need to look for in a replacement part.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my window motor regulator replaced?

Finding a trustworthy mechanic to replace your window motor/regulator doesn’t have to be such a struggle. With Jerry's

GarageGuard™

, you can easily compare costs from over 2,500 vetted repair shops across the country.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ gives you access to real hourly rates from local shops, diagnostic fees (and whether they’re included in your service), and reviews from other customers.

Find some of our vetted shops below—and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

154 Reviews

61 Auto Center

1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$70

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (610) 370-7224

132 Reviews

Best Tires And Service - Highland

9905 Express Dr Unit C, Harvey, IL

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (219) 595-0545

183 Reviews

Lopez Express Auto Service

542 White Horse Ave, Princeton, NJ

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$40

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (609) 888-2007

153 Reviews

NuAuto

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my window motor regulator?

These are the general steps a certified mechanic will take to replace your window motor/regulator assembly:

Preparation: Your mechanic will inspect your car’s window mechanisms to determine whether there’s a problem with your current window motor/regulator assembly.

Remove the bad window regulator: If your mechanic decides it’s time to replace the window motor/regulator assembly, they’ll remove the faulty one.

Install the new window regulator: Next, it’s time to install the new window motor/regulator assembly.

Final test: Once installed, the mechanic will test your vehicle’s window to ensure the new regulator is working properly.

What happens if I don’t replace my window regulator motor assembly?

You can still drive with a faulty window motor/regulator, but not being able to open and close your vehicle’s window can quickly become an inconvenience.

If the problem is preventing your window from staying closed, it could also leave your vehicle’s interior exposed to the elements—which could be bad news if it happens to rain!

What is a window motor regulator?

Most modern vehicles use power windows—and a window motor/regulator assembly helps you open and close those windows with the press of a button.

When you push your vehicle’s power window switch, the electric motor will activate and help the regulator move your window up or down. A regulator will also keep the window properly aligned as it moves.

When should I replace the window motor regulator on my car?

You might notice the following signs if it’s time to replace your window motor/regulator assembly:

Window won’t open or close: If your power window will no longer open or close, it could be due to a number of issues, such as a faulty switch, electrical connector, or a failing motor or regulator.

Strange noises: Noises like grinding, squealing, or clicking when using your power windows could all be signs of a failing window motor or window regulator.

Window glass is crooked: The window regulator helps keep your window properly aligned in your vehicle’s door—so if it starts to look crooked, a bad regulator could be the culprit.

Window won’t stay rolled up: If your window slides down on its own, a failing window regulator could be the culprit.

How often should a window motor regulator be replaced?

You’ll only need to replace your window motor/regulator assembly if it stops working. In some cases, the assembly can last for the life of a vehicle—but just like any part, they can be subject to early failure.

Can I replace my window motor regulator myself?

Replacing a window motor/regulator assembly can be a pretty straightforward job—but you’ll need to exercise some caution so you don’t accidentally damage your window or other parts.

If you don’t feel comfortable taking care of a window motor/regulator replacement yourself, you can always visit a trusted auto repair shop.

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FAQs

How do I know if my window motor or regulator is bad?

If your window motor or regulator is bad, you may notice that your window is more difficult to open or close—or won’t do so at all. Grinding, squeaking, or clicking can signal failures of either part. A bad window regulator can also lead to a window that sits crooked or rolls down on its own.

If you suspect you have a problem with your window motor/regulator assembly, a certified mechanic can help you determine the right fix.

What is a window motor regulator?

A window motor/regulator assembly helps raise and lower your vehicle’s door windows. Window motors and regulators are often available as a single assembly for vehicles with power windows, but in many cases, you can also replace these parts individually.

Can I replace a window regulator myself?

Replacing a window regulator is a job many drivers are able to do themselves, but while the process is straightforward, it can still be a bit tricky. To replace a window regulator or motor, you’ll usually need to remove your interior door panel to access it, and you’ll need to be careful not to damage the window or any other parts in the process.

If you don’t feel comfortable handling this replacement yourself, you can always have your window motor and window regulator replacement done at a trusted auto repair shop.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.