10 Steps to Put Car Window Back on Track

The way a window door track works and how to align a car window are similar in virtually every car.

The window glass slides upward or downward through the handle or window contraption powered by the scissors-like electronic lift mechanism. The glass uses rubber that envelops the pane edges steadily the movement.

if your window is stuck or gone out of alignment, you might need a car window off track quick fix. You must ensure that the hand crank or electronic motor is okay before embarking on any car window off track easy fix. Having seen the regularity of the off-track window issue, we have come up with a guide on how to put a car window back on track. 

Required Toolbox for Putting a Window Back on Track

• Flashlight
• A pair of Pliers (Needle nose and vice grip)
• Screwdrivers
• Ratchet
• WD-40
• Tape
• Wrench

Step by Step Guide on How to Put a Car Window Back on Track

Step 1: Take Out the Car Door Panel

You will need to access the interior of the car door panel before carrying out any repair in the case that the car window fell into the door panel. Also, for lesser window issues like the off-track window, you should open the car door panel by taking out the plastic board that covers the window engine.

Now, loosen the nuts that bind it with a wrench or a screwdriver. If the screws are too clinched, try using a power tool to unfasten them. Ensure that there is no other screw before pulling out the board.

Step 2: Take Out the Hand Crank and other Components

You might need to take out the window hand crank if your car model uses one or the electric window switch depending on your car model. If there are other components of a car door present like cupholders, key craters, ensure to check your manufacturer’s guide for steps on how to remove these components.

While most of them require the same tools you used for the car door panel, few of them require advanced tools or an unconventional removal method.

Step 3: Remove the Door, and Take Out the Covering to Detach Cables

When you removed the screws and nuts holding the door panel in place, you take down the door panel. You can do this by placing a small, sturdy tool under its edges and pressing it down gently to bring it out from the frame.

Do this carefully, so you don’t crack the glass, you might want to take it to bit by bit until you remove it entirely from the frame. Ensure to use the specific pop out tools for this, although you can improvise with little crowbars.

Pull out the insulation or vapor barriers if there are any inside your car door, then bring down the door panel after you have detached all the wirings fastening it.

Step 4: Check Out for Wears on the Window Track

Sometimes, off-track window issues are due to wears on the window track. You should apply little quantity of white lithium lubricant on the window track if you notice any rust on them. In the case that they bent slightly, try getting them back in shape with a wrench or any other sturdy took.

If the rust has gotten deep into the track or it has bent beyond repair, its best to replace the window track entirely with a new one. You should also check if the glue used for your window track is still active for those track sealed with glue. You can touch it and feel it if it’s dry and rough smear a little car adhesive into it.

Step 5: Examine the Electronic Window Motor

A faulty window motor after some time can stop the window track from functioning well and halt the movement of the glass pane. This halt is as a result of the faulty track or misalignment of the track which might also be as a result of spoilage on the motor like holes and scratches

If there are mechanical damages, check the electrical settings by connecting a voltmeter to the motor’s terminals. A reading range of +12 to -12 on the volunteer signifies a properly working window motor. If all is well with it electrically and mechanically, then you have to check and possibly replace the fuse in the fuse box.

If there’s still no positive response, examine the window regulator by connecting it to an ohmmeter and look out for resistance once you press the regulator

Step 6: Look Out for a Faulty Cable

When carry the process on how to put a car window back on track, you should check out the cables because one of them might be bad. Most times, a faulty cable is the cause of an off-track window. Inspect every cable inside the door machine for wears and tears and ensure they connect to the motor correctly.

Replace the cables if there are damaged ones or run an entire overhaul on the wiring if the damage is beyond repair.

Step 7: Let Down the Glass Pane to the Bottom of the Window Frame

Move the glass to the base of the window frame since you are looking for how to realign a car window with the lines on the car door interior called the window channel. Try to slide the glass as firmly as possible to the base using one hand. Then try to align the bottom edge with your other free hand.

Step 8: Place the Glass on the Window Track

The best way to best way to put a car window back on track is to gently push the window glass until it has aligned with the track. Afterward, check out the spots where it is bent, squeezed, or plugged, and then adjust the glass according to how it’s supposed to be.

Ensure that your window is correctly positioned on the track by the time you’re done, check the user manual for specific guidelines for your window track since they are not all the same.

Step 9: Apply Lubricant on the Rollers and Tracks

With time you’ll notice that your rollers and tracks will be dry, thereby making it difficult to lower and bring up the window. For a car window quick fix, clean out all dirt and grime on the rollers and tracks with a brush or spray can.

Then apply a layer of white lubricating solution on it. Make sure you use a specific type and avoid the conventional WD-40 lubricant if you’re not used to a particular brand

Step 10: Test the Window and Reconnect the Door

After realigning the window screen back in and checking out for damages, ensure to fix back the door panel and every other component you detached. Firstly, reconnect all the cables you disconnected and put back the protective caps. Then fix the door panel at its usual position and fasten the nuts you loosened.

Wrap Up

Knowing how to put a car window back on track would help you save some money because this issue occurs frequently. Instead of calling Car repairer, you could reduce the cost to put a car window back on track by following the steps on our guide.

If this is a difficult task for you, and you keep pondering on what if I can’t spot a car window off track repair near me? Here is a quick fix guide

• Takedown your car door panel
• Check the wirings, and track edges for rust and damages
• Fix the cables correctly and apply lubricant
• Realign your glass to the window track

For more information, any questions, and more tips, you can leave a comment.