Does power window motor or regulator cause this issue?

Change the regulator and motor as a pair.

Window goes down quickly because it is made of Glass and it is pretty heavy and Gravity helps the quickly part.

Before you go off to buy anything, try and carefully disassemble the DOOR Panel and situate the Glass about half way up and remove the two 10mm bolts to release the Glass from the Regulator. See if any Rubber moldings or anything is making the Glass from moving UPWARDS smoothly. Have someone hold the glass while you move the regulator down so, you can try out the Glass movement downwards and observe any binding. If you have never done this before then, DON'T do it "or" if you don't have any help DON'T do it.

If you can't find anything wrong then, yes go buy a new Regulator with motor as a complete assembly.

Usually, these motors just quit working and period so, it is very odd that you have a window moving slowly.

I had the exact same problem with the drivers window on my 01 Camry. I bought a new window regulator and motor from Amazon and installed it. Problem was solved.

Before you go through all of the time and hassle of swapping motors and regulators, try just replacing the switch.

I recently broke my 94 Corolla's power window switch, so I grabbed a junkyard replacement. The window would go down fine but it was going up slowly and in little jumps if it was going up at all.

I swapped in another switch-bank I had pulled and the window is functioning perfectly again.

Antamatronic said:

Before you go through all of the time and hassle of swapping motors and regulators, try just replacing the switch.

Click to expand...

When I did it I unplugged the motor from the harness and manually powered it and it worked just as bad. That's how I tested it. The new one has worked perfectly ever since. There cars have crappy window motors from the factory.

zzyzzx said:

When I did it I unplugged the motor from the harness and manually powered it and it worked just as bad. That's how I tested it. The new one has worked perfectly ever since. There cars have crappy window motors from the factory.

Click to expand...

I'm all for bench testing components when possible, but few people have access to a suitable 12v power supply or the skills to test something without it being installed.

The switch bank can be swapped without even unscrewing anything most of the time. Flee-bay sells new replacements for about $20. My local LKQ junkyard charges $19.99 for the master power switch bank.

Worst case, if it's not the switch, bring it back to the junkyard and apply it towards a replacement regulator or motor.

Also, I'm a huge fan of eliminating the easy variables before going after the harder ones.

Antamatronic said:

Before you go through all of the time and hassle of swapping motors and regulators, try just replacing the switch.

I recently broke my 94 Corolla's power window switch, so I grabbed a junkyard replacement. The window would go down fine but it was going up slowly and in little jumps if it was going up at all.

I swapped in another switch-bank I had pulled and the window is functioning perfectly again.

Click to expand...

This issue with Passenger side front window. If it is an issue with switch, it should work with one of the switch (1- One at driver door, 2-One at Passenger front door). In my case I have the same issue with both switches.

Do you suggest, both switches need replacement?
@96paseo

Why do suggest to change the regulator and motor as a pair? Do you mind, sharing your insights?


Thanks for sharing.

ToyotaRIMD said:

Why do suggest to change the regulator and motor as a pair? Do you mind, sharing your insights?

Click to expand...

Check pricing on a motor/regulator vs just a motor, and the answer will be self-explanatory.

...and if that don't convince you, lookup/youtube the procedures for changing the whole unit (3 screws afaik), versus further disassembling the motor and regulator with it's spring assembly that you have to put back together correctly before mounting it back in the door...that'll do it...;-0

ToyotaRIMD said:

This issue with Passenger side front window. If it is an issue with switch, it should work with one of the switch (1- One at driver door, 2-One at Passenger front door). In my case I have the same issue with both switches.

Do you suggest, both switches need replacement?

Click to expand...

Wow, nope, odds on both switches failing are slim.

And I totally get it, most of us have a battery in the car, but I still maintain that few people can pull a part out of their car and correctly attach it to the car battery to test if it's working.

More power to you, zzyzzx, as you seem capable, but I have no real idea how to pull my power window motor out of the door and hook it up to the battery directly. I'd be really surprised if more than a handful of people here can too.

Antamatronic said:

Wow, nope, odds on both switches failing are slim.

And I totally get it, most of us have a battery in the car, but I still maintain that few people can pull a part out of their car and correctly attach it to the car battery to test if it's working.

More power to you, zzyzzx, as you seem capable, but I have no real idea how to pull my power window motor out of the door and hook it up to the battery directly. I'd be really surprised if more than a handful of people here can too.

Click to expand...

Yeah its really not that hard. Even easier if you understand that a DC motor can only have 2 wires. Usually black and red. Funny how that sounds just like a battery. :rofl:

dirty window channels are the classic culprit for slow windows, the motor can stress so hard the headlights dim. Honda guys have it worse but cleaning out channels with brush and soap and/or using a dry spray lube in channels can help a ton.

Thanks for weighing in. I find the window regulator has plastic + metal components.

What kind of Lubrication recommended for Power window regulators?

Will WD40 kind work?

Thanks for sharing?

No, WD40 is not a lubricant, it leaves behind a sticky residue which is designed to repel water condensation. Using it on moving parts will lead to troubles later.

Use a spray lithium based grease. If yours is really gummed up, clean the joints first with some spray brake cleaner, then apply the spray grease liberally to each joint and cycle several times to work it in.

Thanks for weighing in.

I did see in some Youtube videos. It suggests to use Greaseless Lubricant for Window Regulators. I am not sure, why ? I thought WD40 as Greaseless Lubricant.

Do I need to Lubricate only Gear portion only or Gear + other moving joints?

Thanks for guidance.

Thanks for weighing in.


I find CRC Heavy Duty Silicone spray says "Not for use on plastics" Lubricates Metal, rubber, nylon and wood.


How did you apply this to plastics ?


Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for reply. I find Walmart carry

"Super Tech General Purpose Grease"

Click to expand...

Shall I use this for lift/gear mechanism of regulator? It says, it can be use for automotive/truck.

Thanks for sharing.