Sometimes car windows won't roll up or down. Sometimes the car door handle won't open the door either. When this happens, all you have to do is remove the door panels on the car.
Step
Step 1. Open the door
Step 2. If the lock is sticking out of the top in the panel, remove it-- usually by removing the screw
Step 3. Locate the inner door lever that opens the door
Pull it so you can see if there are any screws under the lever. Remove the screws and remove the hard plastic cover around the door lever
Step 4. Look under the armrest
Locate the screws that secure the armrest to the door. (Sometimes the screw is under the plastic cover which has to be unscrewed with a flat screwdriver). Remove the screw. Remove the armrest. For electric windows, remove the cable attached to the armrest by pressing the additional plastic side.
Step 5. Remove the window crank (if the window is not electric)
Sometimes there is a screw in the center of the crank under the decorative cover (for example on older VW Beetles). Remove the cover and remove the screws. Sometimes there is a clamping ring around the base of the crank. Disassemble the clamp ring from the crank window with a flat screwdriver.
Step 6. Use a wide flat putty knife to pry the bottom of the panel off the metal part of the door
This panel is held to the metal part of the door through several plastic grommets which are attached to the back of the cardboard panel and fit through the holes. Gently poke the grommets from the holes, trying not to tear them from the cardboard panels.
Step 7. Check for screws near the rearview mirror or on each side of the window sill (for example on Audi)
Remove the screws if any.
Step 8. Lift the window frame out of its slot on the window and pull the panel away from the door
Step 9. Carefully pull the plastic away from the door so you can see the part that needs fixing
Tips
- Put the plastic back on. Sometimes you forget to plug it back in.
- Some cars use a Phillips screwdriver, some use an Allen wrench, and some use a 12-tip screwdriver.
- Each car manufacturer is slightly different from each other, so you will have to look for it yourself. An internet search will usually show images.
- Window components are often sold on eBay.
