The mechanism that moves the window up and down is called the window regulator. There are two basic types of window regulators ,a power assisted,motorised one and a manual crank operated one.In some cars the window regulator is powered by an electric motor called the window motor . In cars with a motor the regulator is either sold as a whole unit or as a seperately as a motor and regulator as it is possible for one to fail and not the other.In cars without a motor the window regulator works on a crank and is human operated as opposed to the power assisted motorised regulator
Window Regulator Problems
Problems with window regulators are common.A broken regulator cable can cause the window to jam or fall inside the door. In colder weather the window can often freeze in the closed position .Then when the window switch is pressed the window can seperate from the regulator and thusly breaking the regulator. In some cases the window can be re-attached to the regulator in others however the regulator must be replaced. The most common problem is general wear on the regulator over time and consistent use or over-use
Symptoms Of A Bad Window Regulator
-Window fallimg inside door panel
-Abnormal noises when window is moving up and down
-Window slowing, jamming or not closing fully
-Window moves crooked
-Window doesnt move while other still work
-When the window switch is pressed the motor runs but the window doesn't move