This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear window regulator assembly on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including door panel removal and electrical reconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Door panel clips (assorted) × 1 — As needed for broken clips
• Vapor barrier adhesive tape × 1 — If barrier is damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds
3. Roll the rear window to approximately mid-height position before disconnecting battery
4. Gather all tools and parts before beginning work
5. Prepare a clean workspace to lay out the door panel and components

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket. Secure the cable away from the terminal. Wait 90 seconds to allow electrical systems to discharge fully before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove door panel screws
   Remove the Phillips screw from inside the door pull handle. Remove any visible screws securing the door panel, typically located at the bottom edge and behind the interior door handle trim. Use a panel removal tool to carefully pry off the interior door handle trim bezel to access hidden screws.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Release door panel clips
   Starting at the bottom rear corner, use a panel removal tool to carefully release the plastic retaining clips around the perimeter of the door panel. Work your way around the panel, applying even pressure to avoid breaking clips. Once all clips are released, lift the panel upward to disengage it from the window sill.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from the door panel including window switch, door lock switch, and any ambient lighting connectors. Press the locking tabs while pulling the connectors straight out. Set the door panel aside in a safe location.
5. 5

   Remove vapor barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier to access the window regulator assembly. Use care not to tear the barrier or its adhesive. If necessary, only remove the portion needed to access the regulator mounting bolts and electrical connector.
6. 6

   Secure window glass
   Raise the window glass to the full up position. Use masking tape to secure the glass to the door frame, taping across the top edge of the glass to the exterior door frame. This prevents the glass from falling when the regulator is disconnected.
7. 7

   Disconnect regulator motor
   Locate the window regulator motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reassembly.
8. 8

   Disconnect glass from regulator
   Locate the two bolts securing the window glass to the regulator lift mechanism through the access holes in the door frame. Use an 8mm or 10mm socket to remove these bolts. The glass should now be free from the regulator while still taped to the door frame.
   ⚠Ensure the window glass is securely taped before removing these bolts to prevent glass damage
   Torque spec

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

   Remove regulator mounting bolts
   Locate and remove all bolts securing the window regulator assembly to the door frame. There are typically 3-4 bolts accessible through the service holes in the inner door panel. Use a 10mm socket to remove these mounting bolts completely.
   Torque spec

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

    Remove 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. Be careful of sharp edges inside the door cavity.
    ⚠The regulator spring is under tension. Control the assembly during removal to prevent sudden movement
11. 11

    Install new regulator assembly
    Position the new window regulator assembly inside the door cavity, routing it through the access opening. Align the regulator mounting holes with the corresponding holes in the door frame. Install all mounting bolts finger-tight first, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect glass to regulator
    Remove the masking tape holding the glass in the up position. Lower the glass carefully until the regulator lift mechanism aligns with the mounting holes in the glass bracket. Insert and torque the glass-to-regulator bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect electrical and test
    Reconnect the window regulator motor electrical connector. Temporarily reconnect the negative battery terminal and the window switch to test regulator operation. Cycle the window up and down several times to verify smooth operation before final reassembly. Disconnect the battery again for final reassembly.
    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 a complete seal. If adhesive is damaged, apply new adhesive tape as needed. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the door panel. Position the door panel on the window sill and press firmly around the perimeter to engage all retaining clips. Reinstall all screws to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final battery connection
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the terminal.
    ⚠Battery terminal bolts must not be overtightened. Follow specified torque exactly
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated before pressing the panel into place
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully engaged with audible clicks
3. Check that the vapor barrier is properly sealed to prevent water intrusion
4. Confirm all screws are torqued to specification and trim pieces are secure

Verification

• Test window operation through full up and down cycles multiple times to ensure smooth movement
• Verify window auto-up and auto-down functions work correctly (if equipped)
• Check that window seals properly at the top with no gaps when fully closed
• Listen for any unusual noises during window operation that might indicate misalignment
• Verify all door panel trim pieces are secure and properly seated
• Test all switches on the door panel to confirm proper electrical connections

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