Window Motor and Regulator - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear window motor and regulator assembly on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord sedan, including door panel removal and electrical reconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator and motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Door panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Honda OEM door panel clip kit
• Vapor barrier adhesive × 1 — Honda OEM or equivalent weatherstrip adhesive

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure away from battery post
3. Wait at least 3 minutes for capacitor discharge
4. Roll rear window to full UP position using ignition-on power (before battery disconnect)
5. Gather all tools and new parts for inspection

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel fasteners
   Remove the Phillips screw inside the door pull handle recess. Use panel removal tool to carefully pry out the small trim cover behind the interior door handle and remove the Phillips screw beneath it. Remove any additional Phillips screws along the bottom edge of the door panel (typically 2-3 screws).
2. 2

   Disconnect door panel electrical connections
   Using a panel removal tool, gently pry the rear of the door panel away from the door frame starting at the bottom rear corner. Reach behind and disconnect the power window switch connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. If equipped with rear door lock switch, disconnect that connector as well. Take photos before disconnecting.
3. 3

   Remove door panel
   Lift the door panel upward approximately 1 inch to disengage it from the window sill clips at the top of the door. Pull the panel away from the door carefully. Set aside on a clean, padded surface. Inspect all clips remaining in the door frame and transfer any broken clips to your new clip set for replacement.
4. 4

   Remove vapor barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier sheet from the door frame, working slowly to preserve the adhesive if possible. If adhesive is damaged, you will need to reapply fresh adhesive during reassembly. Fold the barrier out of the way or remove completely, taking care not to tear it.
5. 5

   Secure window glass
   Use masking tape to secure the window glass in the full UP position by taping it to the door frame from the outside. Apply at least 2-3 strips of tape across the top of the window to prevent it from dropping when the regulator is disconnected. Verify the glass is stable and will not fall.
6. 6

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the window motor electrical connector near the bottom of the door. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector from the motor. Move the wiring harness aside and secure it so it does not interfere with regulator removal.
7. 7

   Disconnect glass from regulator
   Locate the two bolts securing the window glass to the regulator lift channel (accessible through access holes in the door frame). These are typically 10mm bolts. Remove both bolts and carefully separate the glass from the regulator mechanism. Ensure the glass remains taped securely in the UP position.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove regulator mounting bolts
   Locate all regulator assembly mounting bolts (typically 3-4 bolts of 10mm size) securing the regulator to the door frame. Support the regulator assembly with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. The regulator is under spring tension, so control its movement carefully.
9. 9

   Remove regulator and motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the regulator and motor assembly through the large access opening in the door frame. You may need to angle and rotate the assembly to clear the internal door structures. Remove the assembly completely from the door and set aside.
10. 10

    Install new regulator assembly
    Position the new window regulator and motor assembly and carefully guide it through the door frame access opening. Align the regulator mounting holes with the threaded inserts in the door frame. Install all mounting bolts hand-tight first, then torque to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect glass to regulator
    Align the window glass with the regulator lift channel. Insert and hand-start both glass-to-regulator mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to specification, ensuring the glass is properly seated in the lift channel before final tightening.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect motor and test operation
    Reconnect the window motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal. Turn ignition to ON position and test window operation through several complete UP and DOWN cycles. Verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noise. If operation is correct, disconnect battery again for final reassembly.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall vapor barrier and door panel
    Reposition the vapor barrier on the door frame, applying fresh adhesive where needed to ensure a complete seal. Install any new door panel clips where originals were damaged. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the door panel (window switch, lock switch if equipped). Position the door panel and engage the top edge onto the window sill clips, then press firmly around all edges to seat the panel clips. Reinstall all Phillips screws and trim covers.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to specification
2. Perform window initialization procedure: roll window all the way down, hold switch down for 2 seconds, roll window all the way up, hold switch up for 2 seconds
3. Test auto-up and auto-down functions (if equipped) to verify proper calibration
4. Verify all door panel clips are fully seated and panel is secure with no rattles

Verification

• Test window operation through 5-10 complete cycles to verify smooth operation
• Verify window reaches full UP and full DOWN positions without obstruction
• Check for proper auto-reverse function by obstructing window while closing (if equipped)
• Inspect door panel for secure fit with no gaps or loose clips
• Verify no abnormal noise during window operation
• Test window switch illumination and all door electrical functions

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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