Help! My Car Window Won't Go Up!

It’s a warm night and you’re cruising in your car toward home with your arm hanging out the window. You pull into the driveway relaxed and unwound until it happens – the darn window is stuck! Mashing the up button and try as you may, the window will not budge. What to do? Not to worry!

The professionals at Glass Doctor® are here to provide answers as to why your car window won’t go up.

My Car Window Won’t Go Up

A wedged car window is a frustrating quandary. If your car is equipped with automatic windows (like most vehicles today), the malfunction is likely caused by faulty switches, wiring or a motor gone awry.

If you find yourself in this jam, here’s a checklist to help narrow down what may be the culprit:

  • Child Safety Lock - Sometimes the solution can be the most obvious. Make sure the safety lock is not activated, as this will prevent the window from opening or closing. 
  • Check the Fuses - Use the owner’s manual for the vehicle to locate the fuse box and the corresponding power fuse for the window. Locate any blown fuses and replace if necessary.
  • Press and Pause - Press the window switch up and down and listen for noise coming from the inside of the door. If you do hear noise, it’s likely that the switch is functioning but the window motor has malfunctioned.
  • Have a Look - Press the window switch and watch the gauges on the dash. If the volt gauge leaps the smallest amount when pressing the window switch, it is possible the switch is bad.
  • Switched Around - For an uncooperative passenger or rear window, try using the master switch on the driver side door. If the window now functions, the local switch on the passenger or rear door is probably to blame.
  • Amp It Up - If you have access to an amp gauge you can use it to help find the issue. If the switch has power and is grounded, the problem is probably with the wiring or the motor. If the window motor has power and is grounded and it won’t roll up, the motor is likely faulty.

How to Fix a Stuck Car Window 

When dealing with a truly stuck car window, the best advice is to consult a professional. However, if you’re faced with a rolled-down window and an impending rainstorm, here are troubleshoots worth trying:

Slam the Door

  1. Turn the Car On - Make sure the car ignition is set to the on position.
  2. Press and Hold - Press the switch down in the desired direction and make sure to keep the button depressed while completing the other steps. 
  3. Slam the Door - With the button held down, slam the car door and repeat if unsuccessful on the first try. If the window does manage to roll up, do not lower it again until it can be assessed by a professional.
  4. Use a Hand - If slamming the car door with the button pressed was ineffective, try hitting the door with a fist or object. Take care not to harm your hand or door.

Palm the Glass 

  1. Turn the Car On - Make sure the car ignition is set to the on position.
  2. Sandwich Glass - Open the car door and sandwich the car window between the palms of your hands.
  3. Use Assistance - Have a friend press and hold the window button. 
  4. Lift the Window - Using gradual pressure, press the window up with the palms of your hands. If gripping the window from the top for added force, be careful not to get hands and fingers caught as it comes closed.

These troubleshooting methods are only as temporary fixes. If the windows can be manipulated back into place, do not lower the window until you are able to have it evaluated by a professional.

In all likelihood, a jammed window is the result of some mechanical failure within the window. This could be a result of a faulty motor, regulator, wiring or the actual window switch itself. Your local auto glass professional will know just how to fix a stuck car window, like yours!

Let Glass Doctor Fix Your Car Window Panes

If you do find yourself with an uncooperative car window, don’t wait to get professional help. Call Glass Doctor today at (833) 365-2927 or request an estimate online and get that car window back in working order!