Power Window Motor - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear power window motor on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbo engine, requiring removal of the interior door panel and disconnection of the window regulator assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear power window motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for sedan or hatchback
• Door panel retaining clips (assorted) × 1 — Honda interior clip assortment
• Foam moisture barrier (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes before proceeding to allow airbag system to discharge
3. Roll rear window to approximately mid-position for easiest access to motor mounting bolts
4. Photograph electrical connector orientations before removal for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel trim components
   Remove the small triangular trim cover at front upper corner of door panel by gently prying with panel tool. Remove Phillips screw behind cover. Remove door handle trim escutcheon by carefully prying around edges. Remove screw behind door handle. On models with power locks, carefully pry out the window switch panel from armrest.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Press release tabs and disconnect all electrical connectors from window switch panel and any other door-mounted switches. Set switch panel aside. Note connector locations for correct reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove door panel fasteners
   Remove all visible Phillips screws securing door panel (typically 2-3 screws around perimeter and one in door pull area). These screws may be concealed under small trim caps that need to be pried out first.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Release panel retaining clips
   Starting at bottom rear corner, carefully insert panel removal tool between door panel and metal door frame. Work around entire perimeter to release push-type retaining clips. Pull panel away from door while lifting upward to disengage top edge from door frame lip. Be gentle to avoid breaking clips.
5. 5

   Remove moisture barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheet to expose the window regulator and motor assembly. Only peel back as much as necessary to access motor mounting bolts. Avoid tearing the barrier - use masking tape to temporarily secure it out of the way.
6. 6

   Secure window glass
   Tape the window glass in the up position using masking tape secured to the door frame and glass, or use a mechanical prop. This prevents the glass from dropping when the regulator is disconnected. Ensure glass is stable before proceeding.
7. 7

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the window motor electrical connector attached to the motor assembly. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector. On some models, you may need to remove a rubber grommet from the door frame where the wire harness passes through.
8. 8

   Remove window motor mounting bolts
   Locate the three 10mm bolts securing the window motor to the regulator mechanism. Support the motor with one hand while removing the bolts. The motor is typically mounted to the lower portion of the regulator assembly. Remove all three bolts and carefully extract the motor through the large access hole in the door frame.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new window motor
   Position the new window motor into the door frame through the access hole. Align the motor gear with the regulator mechanism drive gear. Install the three mounting bolts and tighten to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Verify motor is securely mounted and gear meshes properly with regulator.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical and test
    Reconnect the motor electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place. Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal to test window operation. With ignition on, operate the window switch to verify motor runs smoothly in both directions and window travels full range without binding. Disconnect battery again before continuing.
11. 11

    Restore moisture barrier
    Press the moisture barrier back into position ensuring complete adhesion around all edges. If barrier was damaged during removal, replace with new OEM barrier. Proper seal is critical to prevent water intrusion and corrosion.
12. 12

    Reinstall door panel
    Position door panel near door frame and reconnect all electrical connectors to switches. Align top edge of panel with door frame lip and engage it first. Press panel firmly around entire perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Install and tighten all panel screws. Install door handle trim, switch panel, and triangular upper trim cover.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect battery negative terminal and tighten to specification
2. Perform window auto-up/down initialization if equipped: Hold window switch in down position for 2 seconds after window is fully down, then hold switch in up position for 2 seconds after window is fully up
3. Inspect all door panel trim pieces for secure fitment and proper alignment
4. Test window operation multiple times in both directions to confirm smooth operation

Verification

• Window operates smoothly in both directions without hesitation or unusual noise
• Window reaches full up and full down positions and auto-reverse safety function works if equipped
• All door panel trim pieces are secure with no rattles or gaps
• Window switch panel and all door functions operate normally
• No wind noise or water leaks around door panel indicating proper moisture barrier seal

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