1.5L I4 TurboFWDCVTgasturbo
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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electrical

Power Window Motor - Rear

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
7
Steps
12
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear power window motor on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes before beginning work to prevent airbag deployment and short circuits
Support the window glass before disconnecting the regulator to prevent it from falling and shattering
ℹ️Work in temperatures above 60°F if possible to prevent door panel clips from breaking during removal

Tools required

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Parts

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
  3. Lower the rear window to approximately mid-position for easiest access
  4. Gather all tools and new parts before beginning disassembly

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect battery
    Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket. Tighten to specification during reassembly. Wait a minimum of 3 minutes before proceeding to allow electrical systems to discharge.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Remove door panel
    Remove the Phillips screw from the door pull handle cover. Carefully pry off the door pull handle trim using a panel removal tool. Remove the two Phillips screws behind it. Remove the small trim cover at the door latch, then remove the Phillips screw beneath it. Carefully pry around the perimeter of the door panel with a trim clip removal tool to release all retaining clips. Lift the door panel upward to disengage from the door frame, then disconnect the window switch connector and any other electrical connectors.
  3. 3
    Remove vapor barrier access
    Carefully peel back the vapor barrier film just enough to access the window motor mounting area. The barrier is adhesive-backed and can be reused if removed carefully. Use masking tape to hold it out of the way without completely removing it.
  4. 4
    Support window glass
    Raise or lower the window to a position where you can access the window regulator attachment points. Use masking tape to secure the window glass in the up position against the door frame to prevent it from falling once disconnected from the regulator.
    The window glass can fall and shatter if not properly supported before motor removal
  5. 5
    Disconnect window motor electrical connector
    Locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector from the motor. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion and clean if necessary with electrical contact cleaner.
  6. 6
    Remove window motor mounting bolts
    Locate the window motor mounting bolts. There are typically three bolts securing the motor to the door frame. Remove these bolts using a 10mm socket. Note the bolt locations and any spacers or washers for reinstallation.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Separate motor from regulator
    If the motor is integrated with the regulator, you may need to remove the entire regulator assembly. Remove the regulator mounting bolts from the door frame. Carefully maneuver the motor and regulator assembly through the access hole in the door frame. If replacing only the motor, separate it from the regulator mechanism by removing the connecting bolts.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Install new window motor
    If replacing only the motor, attach it to the existing regulator mechanism and secure with mounting bolts to specification. If installing a complete motor/regulator assembly, carefully insert the assembly through the door access hole and align it with the mounting points on the door frame.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Secure regulator assembly
    Install and tighten the regulator mounting bolts to the door frame to specification. Ensure the regulator tracks are properly aligned with the window glass channels before final tightening.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the electrical connector to the new window motor, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Verify the connector lock is fully engaged.
  11. 11
    Test window operation
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten to specification. Before reinstalling the door panel, test the window operation through several full cycles. Verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises. If the window binds, check regulator alignment and track positioning.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reinstall vapor barrier and door panel
    Press the vapor barrier back into place, ensuring a complete seal around all edges. Reconnect the window switch and any other door panel electrical connectors. Position the door panel onto the door frame, engaging the top edge first, then press firmly around the perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Reinstall all Phillips screws and trim pieces in reverse order of removal.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all door panel clips are properly seated to prevent rattles
  2. Verify the vapor barrier is completely sealed to prevent moisture intrusion
  3. Check that all trim pieces and screws are reinstalled in their original locations

Verification

  • Test window operation through at least 5 complete up/down cycles to verify smooth operation
  • Verify auto-up and auto-down features (if equipped) function correctly
  • Listen for any unusual grinding, clicking, or binding noises during operation
  • Check that window seals properly against weatherstripping when fully closed
  • Verify door panel is secure with no loose clips or rattles
  • Confirm all door panel switches and controls function normally

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

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More procedures for this vehicle

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