Power Window Regulator - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Door panel clips × 1 — Have replacement clips available

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Roll the rear window to approximately mid-height position before disconnecting battery
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes to discharge airbag system
4. Remove any items from rear door pocket and armrest storage
5. Prepare a clean work surface to place the door panel

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel screws
   Remove the Phillips screw from the door pull handle pocket. Remove the small cover cap behind the interior door handle and remove the screw underneath. If equipped, remove the screw from the bottom rear corner of the door panel near the speaker grille.
2. 2

   Disconnect door panel switches
   Carefully pry out the power window/lock switch assembly from the armrest using a panel tool. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out. Set the switch assembly aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Remove door panel
   Insert panel removal tools around the perimeter of the door panel to release the retaining clips. Work carefully from bottom to top, then pull the panel outward and lift upward to clear the door latch mechanism. There are typically 8-10 clips around the door panel edge.
4. 4

   Remove vapor barrier access
   Carefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier sheet at the regulator access area. The barrier is usually held by adhesive. Create sufficient access to reach the regulator mounting bolts and motor connector without completely removing the barrier if possible.
5. 5

   Secure window glass
   Raise the window glass to the full up position. Use painter's tape to secure the glass to the door frame, or have an assistant hold it in place. This prevents the glass from falling when the regulator is disconnected.
6. 6

   Disconnect window motor
   Locate the window motor electrical connector on the regulator assembly. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector. Note the connector routing for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Detach glass from regulator
   Lower the window glass slightly to access the regulator-to-glass attachment bolts through the access holes in the door frame. Remove the two bolts that secure the window glass channel to the regulator lift arms. The glass should now be free from the regulator mechanism.
8. 8

   Remove regulator mounting bolts
   Remove all regulator mounting bolts from inside the door. There are typically 4-6 bolts securing the regulator assembly to the door frame. Note the bolt locations and sizes as they may vary. Support the regulator as you remove the final bolt.
9. 9

   Extract regulator assembly
   Carefully maneuver the window regulator assembly out through the large service opening in the door frame. The regulator may need to be tilted and rotated to clear the door structure. Work slowly to avoid damaging the door or regulator cables.
10. 10

    Install new regulator
    Position the new regulator assembly into the door, maneuvering it through the service opening in the reverse order of removal. Align the mounting holes with the door frame. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening to ensure proper alignment.
11. 11

    Torque regulator mounting bolts
    Tighten all regulator mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. Verify the regulator sits flush against the door frame at all mounting points.
    Torque spec

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

    Attach glass to regulator
    Lower the window glass onto the regulator lift arms, aligning the mounting holes. Install the glass attachment bolts through the access holes and tighten to specification. Ensure the glass sits evenly in the regulator channels.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical and test
    Connect the window motor electrical connector. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Before reinstalling the door panel, test window operation through full up and down cycles to verify smooth operation and proper alignment.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall vapor barrier and door panel
    Press the vapor barrier back into place, ensuring good adhesive contact. Position the door panel over the door latch mechanism, lower it into place, and press firmly around all clip locations until each clip seats with an audible click. Reinstall all door panel screws and torque to specification. Reconnect the window switch assembly.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are properly seated before driving
2. Verify vapor barrier is properly sealed to prevent water intrusion and wind noise
3. Check that all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
4. Test window operation multiple times to confirm smooth travel with no binding

Verification

• Operate the window through full up and down cycles at least 3 times to verify smooth operation
• Check that the window seats properly at the top position with no gaps
• Listen for unusual noises during window operation that might indicate binding or misalignment
• Verify the window auto-up and auto-down features function correctly if equipped
• Check that all door panel screws are tight and the panel is secure with no rattles
• Confirm the window switch illumination works and all lock functions operate 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 →

More procedures for this vehicle