A window regulator raises or lowers your window glass.

Manually Operated	Electrically Operated

What kind of window regulator do I have?

There are two types of regulator, one is a manually operated system that requires you to operate the up and down movement of the window using a handle. The other is an automated device that is activated by pressing an electrical toggle switch found on a panel of the vehicle door closest to the window.

How does it work?

With the electrical type, the automated window regulator system is configured so the driver can control the movement of all your vehicle windows. Ford & Holden models continue to have individual controls located near each window, allowing the passengers to lift or lower the nearest window without relying on the driver to control them all.


Before the automated systems, a window regulator was usually operated using a manual wind handle. The handles were at a convenient location along the door panel, making it easy for a passenger seated near the window to simply operate the handle in order to lift or lower the window. As the handle was turned, a mechanical plate supporting the window would lift or lower the glass into the required position.

The automated power window regulator started to appear on the better-specified Japanese cars that came on the market in the 1970’s and 80’s. Rather than operating the mechanism with a manual wind handle, this new innovation made it possible to lift and lower vehicle windows by pressing a switch on a control panel. At first this feature was offered as an optional extra on many makes and models.

However, by the end of the 1980’s, most vehicle manufacturers considered the inclusion of power-operated windows as a standard specification.

Over time, an automated rear window regulator for SUV’s, minivans and some station wagons became more common as well. The ability to lift or lower the rear window from a switch was desirable to vehicle owners. This option was considered a factory extra at one time but now is almost always included as a basic feature for vehicles sold today.

What can go wrong?

As with any type of mechanical and electrical component, your window regulator does endure some wear and tear after years of continuous use. The source of the problem is usually based in the small electrical motor that controls the movement of the window up and down. When your motor begins to wear out, the regulator may not respond as efficiently to the press of the button.

Replacing the electrical motor will sometimes restore full functionality. However there are situations where the issue with the window regulator is more complex than simply a dodgy motor. When this is the case, replacement of the entire regulator may be necessary. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, replacing an electric window regulator can be quite tricky.

What can you do?

If you are looking to replace or need some advice about a defective window regulator then you should talk to one of our Ford & Holden parts experts. If you find it necessary to replace your window regulator it is almost always best to send the old unit back to our parts store as the core from your old window regulator can repaired and sold as a rebuilt unit. These will cost only a fraction of the price of a new window regulator and we think this is a great solution. Our rebuilt window regulators come with New Zealand’s best second hand part warranty.