Power Window Regulator - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear window regulator assembly on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Door panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Toyota 90467-09139 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Roll the affected rear window fully up if possible
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds before proceeding
4. Gather all tools and new regulator assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel trim pieces
   Use trim removal tool to carefully pry off the small triangular trim piece at the front upper corner of the door panel near the mirror. Remove the rear door handle escutcheon by prying gently from the rear edge. If equipped, remove the small speaker grille cover.
2. 2

   Remove door panel fasteners
   Remove two Phillips screws from the door pull handle pocket. Remove one Phillips screw from the bottom rear corner of the door panel. Remove the screw behind the door handle escutcheon location. All screws should be retained for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connectors and remove door panel
   Lift the door panel upward and away from the door frame to disengage the retaining clips along the perimeter. Disconnect the power window switch connector and any other electrical connectors for locks or speakers. Carefully set the door panel aside in a clean area.
4. 4

   Remove vapor barrier access
   Carefully peel back enough of the plastic vapor barrier to access the window regulator mounting bolts and motor connector. Use caution not to tear the barrier. You may need to remove or fold back only the lower portion to access the regulator.
5. 5

   Secure window glass
   Roll or manually position the window glass to approximately the half-open position. Use masking tape to secure the window glass to the door frame in the full-up position, taping across the top of the glass to the door exterior. This prevents the glass from falling when the regulator is disconnected.
   ⚠Ensure window is securely taped before disconnecting regulator; falling glass can cause injury or damage
6. 6

   Disconnect window from regulator
   Remove the two bolts securing the window glass channel to the regulator lift mechanism through the access holes in the door frame. These are typically 10mm bolts. Carefully lift the window glass fully upward and ensure tape is holding it securely.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect regulator motor
   Locate the window regulator motor electrical connector and disconnect it by pressing the release tab and pulling apart. Ensure the connector is fully separated and moved aside.
8. 8

   Remove regulator mounting bolts
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the window regulator assembly to the door frame. There are typically 4-6 bolts of varying sizes around the regulator mechanism. Remove all bolts and retain them, noting their locations as some may be different lengths.
   Torque spec

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

   Extract regulator assembly
   Carefully maneuver the window regulator assembly out through the large access opening in the door frame. The regulator may need to be tilted and rotated to clear the door structure. Take care not to damage the vapor barrier or scratch interior door surfaces.
10. 10

    Install new regulator assembly
    Position the new window regulator assembly into the door frame through the access opening, maneuvering it into place. Align all mounting holes with the door frame. Install all mounting bolts hand-tight first, then torque to specification starting with the center bolts and working outward.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect motor and attach window
    Connect the window regulator motor electrical connector until it clicks into place. Remove the tape securing the window glass. Lower the glass carefully and align the glass channel with the regulator lift mechanism. Install the two window-to-regulator bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Test window operation
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Before reinstalling the door panel, test the window operation through several full up and down cycles to ensure smooth operation and proper alignment. Listen for unusual noises and verify glass seats properly at full up position.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Carefully reposition the vapor barrier, ensuring it seals properly around all edges
2. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the door panel (window switch, speakers, locks)
3. Position door panel and engage the upper lip first, then press firmly around perimeter to engage all retaining clips
4. Install all Phillips screws in reverse order of removal
5. Reinstall door handle escutcheon and triangular mirror trim piece
6. If window auto-up/down feature does not work, perform initialization: roll window fully down, hold switch down for 2 seconds, roll fully up, hold switch up for 2 seconds

Verification

• Test window operation through multiple complete cycles, verifying smooth movement without binding or noise
• Verify window seals properly at the top position with no gaps
• Check that window auto-up and auto-down features work correctly (if equipped)
• Confirm all door panel clips are engaged and panel is secure with no rattles
• Verify all door panel trim pieces and switches are properly installed and functional

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