This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear door power window regulator assembly on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for left or right side
• Door panel retaining clips (assorted) × 5 — Keep spares on hand
• Vapor barrier adhesive (if needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Gather all necessary tools and replacement parts
4. Lower rear window to approximately mid-position for easier access to regulator bolts

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear door panel
   Remove the screw cover from the door pull handle area. Remove the Phillips screws securing the door panel (typically 2-3 screws behind handle and armrest). Use plastic trim tools to carefully release the retaining clips around the perimeter of the door panel, working from bottom to top. Disconnect the window switch connector and any other electrical connectors. Lift the door panel upward and away from the door frame.
2. 2

   Remove speaker assembly
   Locate the rear door speaker mounted in the door panel or door frame. Remove the mounting screws or bolts securing the speaker. Disconnect the speaker electrical connector and remove the speaker from the door to provide access to the regulator area.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Peel back vapor barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier from the door frame, starting at one corner. Work slowly to avoid tearing the barrier. If the barrier is damaged, it will need to be resealed or replaced. Expose enough of the barrier to access all window regulator mounting points and the window motor.
4. 4

   Disconnect window motor
   Locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector from the motor. Ensure the connector is positioned away from the work area to prevent damage.
5. 5

   Secure window glass
   Raise the window glass to the full up position. Use masking tape to secure the glass to the door frame, running tape from the top of the glass to the exterior door frame. This prevents the glass from dropping when the regulator is disconnected. Alternatively, use wooden blocks wedged between the glass and door frame.
6. 6

   Disconnect glass from regulator
   Locate the two bolts or clips securing the window glass to the regulator lift channel (usually accessed through access holes in the door frame). Remove these fasteners carefully. The glass should now be free from the regulator but held in place by your tape or supports.
   ⚠Ensure glass is properly supported before removing these fasteners to prevent glass from falling
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove regulator mounting bolts
   Locate all window regulator mounting bolts (typically 4-6 bolts) securing the regulator assembly to the door frame. These are usually 10mm bolts. Remove all mounting bolts while supporting the regulator assembly with one hand. Note the location of each bolt as some may be different lengths.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove regulator assembly
   Carefully maneuver the window regulator assembly out through the large access opening in the door frame. The regulator arms and cables may need to be rotated or folded to fit through the opening. Work slowly to avoid catching the regulator on door components or damaging the vapor barrier.
   ⚠Regulator springs may still be under tension - handle carefully to avoid pinching fingers
9. 9

   Install new regulator assembly
   Position the new window regulator assembly and carefully guide it through the door frame access opening. Align the regulator mounting holes with the corresponding holes in the door frame. Insert all mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then torque bolts in a star pattern to prevent binding.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect glass to regulator
    Remove the tape or blocks holding the window glass. Lower the glass carefully until the glass mounting holes align with the regulator lift channel attachment points. Install and torque the glass-to-regulator mounting bolts. Verify the glass sits properly in the door channels.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect window motor and test
    Reconnect the window motor electrical connector. Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal. Before reinstalling the door panel, test the window operation through several full up and down cycles. Verify smooth operation with no binding, unusual noises, or misalignment. If the window binds or operates roughly, check regulator alignment and glass channel positioning. Disconnect battery again before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall speaker and vapor barrier
    Reconnect the speaker electrical connector and secure the speaker back in position with mounting hardware. Carefully press the vapor barrier back into place, ensuring a complete seal around all edges. Add new adhesive if the original has lost its stickiness.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall door panel
    Reconnect the window switch and any other electrical connectors. Position the door panel, ensuring the top edge engages properly with the door frame lip. Press firmly around the perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Install all Phillips screws and tighten securely. Install screw covers.
14. 14

    Final battery connection and testing
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Perform window auto-up/down calibration if equipped by holding the window switch in the auto-down position for 2 seconds after the window is fully down, then hold the auto-up position for 2 seconds after the window is fully up. Test all window functions including one-touch operation.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated and the panel is secure with no gaps
2. Verify all electrical connectors are properly engaged with audible clicks
3. Check that vapor barrier is completely sealed to prevent water intrusion and wind noise
4. Confirm all fasteners are tightened to proper torque specifications

Verification

• Test window operation through at least 5 full up/down cycles to confirm smooth operation
• Verify window auto-up and auto-down features work correctly if equipped
• Check window alignment in door frame - glass should sit flush when fully closed
• Listen for any unusual noises during window operation such as grinding, clicking, or binding
• Verify window seals properly against weatherstripping when fully closed
• Test door panel for rattles or loose components by gently pushing on various areas
• Confirm all switches and controls on door panel function properly

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