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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Door panel clips (if broken) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Vapor barrier adhesive or tape × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 90 seconds
3. Open the rear door fully for access
4. Roll window to approximately mid-position if regulator motor is still functional
5. Gather all tools and replacement parts

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel
   Remove the Phillips screw from the door pull handle. Use trim removal tools to carefully pry out the switch panel bezel from the armrest. Disconnect the window switch electrical connector. Remove all door panel retaining screws located around the perimeter and in the door pull area. Lift the door panel upward to disengage the top clips, then pull away from door frame. Set panel aside in a safe location.
2. 2

   Remove vapor barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic vapor barrier sheet to expose the window regulator assembly. The barrier is adhered with butyl sealant. Peel slowly to avoid tearing, starting from the bottom corner. Leave the barrier partially attached at the top if possible for easier reinstallation, or remove completely if necessary for access.
3. 3

   Disconnect regulator motor connector
   Locate the window regulator motor electrical connector inside the door frame. Press the locking tab and disconnect the connector from the motor assembly. Route the connector free from any retaining clips.
4. 4

   Secure window glass
   If window is not already at the top position, carefully raise the glass to the full up position manually. Use masking tape to secure the glass to the door frame, taping across the top of the glass and onto the exterior door frame to prevent it from falling during regulator removal. Alternatively, use a window support tool if available.
5. 5

   Disconnect glass from regulator
   Access the window glass attachment bolts through the access holes in the door frame. Remove the two 10mm bolts that secure the window glass to the regulator lift plate. These bolts are located inside the door approximately midway up. Support the glass as you remove the final bolt.
6. 6

   Remove regulator mounting bolts
   Locate and remove all regulator assembly mounting bolts. There are typically four to five 10mm bolts securing the regulator rail and motor assembly to the door frame. Note the position and length of each bolt as they may vary. Remove the bolts in a pattern that maintains stability of the regulator during removal.
7. 7

   Extract regulator assembly
   Carefully maneuver the regulator assembly out through the large access opening in the door frame. The regulator rail and motor assembly may need to be angled and rotated to clear the door structure. Take care not to damage interior door components or scratch painted surfaces. If equipped with cable-type regulator, ensure cables are not snagged.
8. 8

   Install new regulator assembly
   Position the new regulator assembly inside the door frame, maneuvering it through the access opening. Align the regulator rail and mounting points with the corresponding holes in the door frame. Ensure the regulator lift plate is positioned to align with the window glass mounting points.
9. 9

   Install regulator mounting bolts
   Install all regulator mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque the mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Use the appropriate torque specification based on bolt size and location.
   ℹ️Verify which mounting bolt specification applies - 27.0 Nm (20 lb-ft) or 34.0 Nm (25 lb-ft) based on bolt diameter and location
   Torque spec

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

    Attach glass to regulator
    Remove the tape securing the window glass. Lower the glass carefully until the mounting holes in the glass bracket align with the regulator lift plate holes. Insert and tighten the two 10mm glass attachment bolts. Ensure the glass is seated properly in the regulator lift plate before final tightening.
11. 11

    Connect electrical connector
    Route the regulator motor electrical connector through any retaining clips in the door frame. Connect the electrical connector to the motor, ensuring it clicks and locks securely into place.
12. 12

    Test window operation
    Temporarily reconnect the battery negative terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. Test the window operation using the door switch to verify full up and down travel. Check for smooth operation without binding or unusual noise. Verify anti-pinch function operates correctly. Disconnect battery again for final reassembly.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall vapor barrier
    Clean any old adhesive from the door frame if necessary. Press the vapor barrier firmly back into place, ensuring complete adhesion around all edges. Add new butyl tape or vapor barrier adhesive if the original has lost adhesion. Ensure there are no gaps that could allow moisture intrusion.
14. 14

    Reinstall door panel
    Reconnect the window switch electrical connector. Position the door panel and engage the top clips by pressing upward and into the door frame. Press firmly around the perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Install all door panel retaining screws to specification. Install the switch panel bezel and secure the door pull handle screw.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect battery negative terminal and torque to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft)
2. Perform window auto up/down initialization if required by pressing and holding the window switch in the auto-down position for 2 seconds, then auto-up position for 2 seconds
3. Verify all door panel clips are properly seated and panel is secure
4. Check that door panel screws and trim pieces are properly installed

Verification

• Test window operation multiple times through full up and down travel to confirm smooth operation
• Verify window seats properly in the full up position with no gaps
• Test anti-pinch safety feature by obstructing window path during closing
• Check for any rattles or unusual noises during window operation
• Verify door panel is secure with no loose clips or gaps
• Confirm window switch operates correctly and all positions function properly

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