Kia Window Regulator Replacement

Is the window in your KIA moving slowly? Your window regulator might need ot be replaced! Learn how to remove and change the window regulator of your Kia by following the steps below! This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on replacing the window regulator and door glass on a 2016 to 2020 Kia Optima.

Regulator, Motor or Switch?

• Grinding, clicking or popping, or the glass drops or tilts: the regulator cables or tracks have failed.
• Motor hums or clicks but the glass does not move: usually the regulator; the motor is turning but nothing is lifting the glass.
• No sound at all from that door: check the fuse, the switch and the connector before replacing the motor.
• Works from the driver’s master switch but not the door switch (or the reverse): the switch is the likely problem.
• Window moves very slowly: dry or dirty window channels or a weak motor.

After replacing the regulator, reset the one touch auto up and down: run the window fully down and hold the switch a few seconds, then fully up and hold again.

What you will need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Prying tool or plastic removal tool
• 10mm socket wrench
• 10mm wrench
• Window Regulator (Kia Optima)

Procedure

1. Open the driver’s door and pull the hood release under the dashboard. Then unlock the hood latch and open the hood.
2. Disconnect your battery by removing the negative (black) terminal first, then the positive (red) terminal.Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the bolt on the terminals. Your battery should be disconnected before you remove your door panel so that you don’t accidentally trigger the airbag sensor while you work.
3. Pry out the side mirror cover, the cover on the inner door handle, and the cover on the armrest using a plastic removal tool.
4. Remove the screws from the door panel and pry up the edges. Then, carry the door panel out, disconnect the cables and electrical connectors, and set the door panel aside.
5. Remove the rubber covers from the window regulator, reconnect the window switch, and adjust the window until the window regulator bolts are visible. Make sure to disconnect the battery after adjusting the window. 
6. Loosen and remove the bolts holding the window. Then remove the glass from the door by lifting it up, then turning the front end down into the car door. Tilt the glass slightly towards you, and pull it out the rest of the way.
7. Pull the rubber grommets out of the window regulator.
8. Disconnect the clips on the speaker and airbag sensor. Push the clip and pull it out to remove it from the connection point. 
9. Remove/Unhook the wiring harness from the tabs on the window regulator.
10. Remove the 10mm bolts around the window regulator. Other bolts are on the lower part of the regulator.
11. Hold the window regulator and disconnect the clip on the back side of the window regulator.
12. Slide the cable of the door actuator out from the window regulator.
13. Unhook the wire harness from the tabs on the backside of the window regulator. Then pull out the wire harness from the hole of the window regulator. The window regulator of the 2016 to 2020 Kia Optima.
14. Get the new window regulator and hook the wire harness to the back of the new window regulator.
15. Insert the cables of the door actuator into the new window regulator and reconnect the clip on the other side of the window regulator.
16. Reinstall the bolts around the window regulator. Torque specification: 6.9 to 10.8 N.m (5.1 to 8.0 lb-ft)
17. Push the grommets into the window regulator.
18. Install the electrical connector to the speakers and airbag sensor. Then hook the wire harness to the new window regulator.
19. Reinstall the window, door panel, and side mirror cover.

Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Kia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Kia window regulator is bad?

Grinding or clicking, a window that drops or tilts, or a motor that runs while the glass does not move all point to the regulator.

Is it the motor or the regulator?

If you hear the motor but the glass does not move, it is usually the regulator. No sound at all points to the motor, switch, fuse or wiring.

Do I need to remove the door glass?

In this guide the glass is detached from the regulator so the regulator can be removed. Support the glass so it does not fall.

How do I reset the auto up window after replacement?

Run the window fully down and hold the switch for a few seconds, then fully up and hold again.

Related Guides

• 2018➕ Kia Forte Window Regulator Replacement DIY
• 2018➕ Kia Forte Window Motor Replacement
• 2019 Kia Forte Door Window Replacement
• 2018+ Kia Forte Window Switch & Side Mirror Adjust Switch Replacement

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