This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear window motor and regulator assembly on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator and motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for left or right side
• Door panel clips × 1 — Replace any broken clips
• Window run channel grease × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to deplete
3. Identify which rear window requires service (left or right)
4. Open the rear door fully and secure it in the open position
5. Lower the window approximately halfway to access regulator mounting bolts (reconnect battery temporarily if needed, then disconnect again)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear door panel
   Remove the door handle trim bezel using a panel removal tool. Remove any visible Phillips screws from the door pull handle area and lower door panel edge. Carefully release the door panel retaining clips by pulling outward starting from the bottom rear corner, working around the perimeter. Lift the panel upward to disengage it from the window sill, then disconnect the door lock switch electrical connector and any other connectors. Remove the door panel completely.
2. 2

   Remove vapor barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier sheet from the door frame. If it is adhesive-backed, work slowly to avoid tearing. You only need to peel back enough to access the window regulator bolts and motor connector, typically the upper and middle sections. Use masking tape to secure the barrier out of the way.
3. 3

   Support the window glass
   Position the window glass so that the regulator mounting points are accessible through the door access holes. Use masking tape to secure the window glass to the door frame in the full-up position, ensuring it cannot drop. Apply tape from the top of the glass to the door frame on both front and rear edges of the glass.
4. 4

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector from the motor. Ensure the connector is positioned safely away from moving parts.
5. 5

   Disconnect window glass from regulator
   Through the door access holes, locate the two bolts securing the window glass to the regulator lift plate. These are typically 10mm bolts. Remove both bolts and carefully separate the glass from the regulator mechanism. Ensure the tape is still supporting the glass securely.
6. 6

   Remove window regulator mounting bolts
   Locate all regulator mounting bolts through the door access holes. The RAV4 typically uses 5-6 bolts securing the regulator assembly to the door frame. Remove all mounting bolts using a 10mm socket with extension. Keep track of bolt locations as some may be different lengths.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove regulator and motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the regulator and motor assembly out through the large access hole in the door frame. You may need to angle and rotate the assembly to clear the door structure. The regulator cables and arms will need to be carefully guided through the opening. If equipped with rivets instead of bolts, drill them out before removal.
8. 8

   Prepare new regulator assembly
   Remove the new regulator from packaging. If it comes with the motor pre-installed, verify it is securely attached. Apply a small amount of window run channel grease to the lift mechanism contact points. Compare the new assembly with the old one to ensure correct part application.
9. 9

   Install new regulator assembly
   Carefully guide the new regulator and motor assembly into the door cavity through the access hole. Position it so that all mounting holes align with the door frame. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening any of them to ensure proper alignment.
10. 10

    Torque regulator mounting bolts
    Tighten all regulator mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even mounting pressure. Verify the regulator sits flush against the door frame and moves smoothly when manually operated.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect window glass to regulator
    Remove the masking tape supporting the window glass. Carefully align the window glass mounting holes with the regulator lift plate holes. Insert and hand-tighten the mounting bolts, then torque to specification. Ensure the glass is properly seated in the front and rear run channels.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect motor electrical connector
    Reconnect the window motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged.
13. 13

    Test window operation
    Temporarily reconnect the negative battery terminal. Before reinstalling the door panel, test the window operation through several full up and down cycles. Listen for unusual noises and verify smooth operation. Check that the window fully seals at the top and bottoms out properly without binding. Disconnect battery again before proceeding.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall vapor barrier and door panel
    Reposition the vapor barrier, ensuring it forms a complete seal. Press the adhesive sections firmly into place. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the door panel. Position the door panel over the window sill and slide it downward to engage. Press firmly around all edges to seat the retaining clips. Reinstall all screws and the door handle trim bezel.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification
2. Perform window auto up/down initialization if equipped: roll window all the way down, hold switch down for 2 seconds, roll all the way up, hold switch up for 2 seconds
3. Verify all door panel fasteners and trim pieces are secure
4. Check window operation from both door switch and master switch

Verification

• Test window operation through multiple full cycles from both fully up and fully down positions
• Verify window auto-reverse function operates correctly if equipped
• Check that window seals properly at full up position with no wind noise
• Confirm window operates smoothly without binding, jerking, or unusual noises
• Verify door panel is secure with no rattles or loose clips
• Test door lock switch and any other switches on the door panel for proper operation

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