Volvo Window Regulator and Motor Replacement

Can’t adjust/move your Volvo window due to a faulty window regulator/motor? Learn how to fix the problem by replacing your Volvo’s window regulator/window regulator motor.

This step-by-step guide provides procedures for replacing a window regulator and motor on almost any Volvo. Some differences may exist depending on the model, but the general instructions are the same.

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.

How to Replace Volvo Window Regulator and Motor

What you will need

• Window Regulator for Volvo
• Window Motor for Volvo

• Mechanic Toolset Metric
  • 10mm socket,
  • ratchet and extension
• T25 Torx driver
• Flat screwdriver
• Razorblade
• Drill and drill bits
• Rivet gun and rivets (~4mm)
• Trim removal tool (optional)

Procedure

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Your car will have the battery under the carpet in the trunk or the engine bay on the driver’s side.
2. The first step is to remove the door paneling. In most cases, it will be held by push-pin clips. To release them, push in the center part; you can take out the whole pin.
3. Remove a small tab inside the door using a thin, flat screwdriver and grab the handle.
4. Undo a retaining screw using a T25 Torx screwdriver.
5. Use a pry tool to pop out the window switch. Disconnect the window switch by pushing the tab on the connector and pulling it out
6. Carefully pull the door panel upwards, raising it from the window ledge and the lock button.
7. Unclip the two clips that hold the door handle, release the cable, and pull out the cable.
8. Using a razor blade, remove the insulation by cutting through the foam-like glue. Be careful not to tear the insulation.
9. The regulator mechanism is connected to the window fixture by sliding blocks or rivets, depending on the model.
10. Don’t disconnect the door airbag wires. Temporarily connect the battery negative terminal to operate the window. Lower the window into the position where the sliding block or rivet is accessible. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
11. In case of a sliding block, pull off the retaining clip with a screwdriver and pull out the regulator lever. In case rivets are used, you need to drill them out.
12. Repeat the last two steps to release the second sliding block.
13. Manually push the window up and secure it with several pieces of tape.
14. Disconnect the electrical motor. You must push the tab on the connector with a screwdriver to unlock it.
15. Drill out the rivet heads holding the window regulator using an appropriate size drill bit (~6mm diameter).
16. Undo the 10mm nut at the top of the regulator; carefully rotate and wiggle the regulator until you can get it out.
17. If replacing only the window regulator or motor, remove three Torx screws and remove the motor from the regulator.
18. Reinstall the new windows regulator in reverse order of removal.
19. Correctly position the regulator, and install new appropriately sized rivets using a rivet gun.
20. To reinstall the push-pin clips, push the center pin out. Push the center pin in after inserting it into place until it is flattened.

Sliding blocks are a known weak point. If the regulator on your car uses these, they should also be replaced.

These instructions apply to multiple Volvo vehicles, including

• XC70
• V70
• S60
• S40
• V40
• V50
• XC60
• XC90
• S60
• S70
• S80
• C30
• 240.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Grinding, clicking or a window that drops or tilts points to the regulator. A motor that hums or a window that only moves slowly can be either. No sound at all points to the switch, fuse or wiring.

Can I replace just the window motor?

On many Volvos the motor unbolts from the regulator and can be replaced alone, but the regulator is often worn too, so many people replace both together.

How do I reset the Volvo auto window after replacing the regulator?

Run the window fully down and hold the switch a few seconds, then fully up and hold again. This relearns the end positions.

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

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