A broken power window is a situation familiar to almost every driver. The biggest inconvenience occurs when the window gets stuck in the lowered position: rain or snow gets into the cabin, and the car itself remains unprotected. At such a moment, many start looking for a way to raise the window if the power window doesn't work. The solution depends on the design of the mechanism, but most often the window can be closed at least temporarily to get to a car service center.

Why the power window breaks

Before figuring out how to raise the window if the power window doesn't work, it's useful to understand the causes of the breakdown. As a rule, the culprits are a failed electric motor, a broken cable, a damaged plastic guide, or a faulty control button. In a mechanical system, the problem usually lies in a broken manual drive. If the window is stuck at the lowest point, the driver has to choose: either leave the car open or try to raise the window manually.

How to raise the window yourself

The most accessible way to temporarily close the window is to carefully raise it by hand. To do this, you'll have to remove the door trim to access the mechanism. Care is needed here: the glass is heavy and can suddenly slide down. It's better to work together — one person holds the glass, the other fixes it in the upper position. If the mechanism has completely failed, then after manually raising the glass, it needs to be secured with makeshift means: wooden wedges, plastic inserts, duct tape, or metal clamps. This doesn't permanently fix the problem, but it protects the cabin from precipitation and allows you to calmly drive to a repair shop.

Solving the problem with an electric power window

The question the power window doesn't work, how to raise the window is especially important for cars with an electric drive. If the cause is a blown fuse or a faulty button, sometimes replacing the fuse or directly connecting power to the motor helps. But such manipulations require at least basic knowledge of electrical systems to avoid damaging the wiring. It's easier to remove the door trim, disconnect the motor connector, and try to turn the gear manually. In some models, there is access to the mechanism that can be turned with pliers. This way, the window can be raised at least partially.

What to do with a mechanical power window

Owners of older cars with a mechanical drive are luckier — the task is solved more simply. If the handle or gear drive breaks, the glass, as in the case of the electric one, can be raised by hand and then fixed at the top. The main thing is to make the fixation reliable, otherwise, on a bumpy road, the glass will fall again.

Summary

Now you know how to raise the window if the power window doesn't work. Of course, such measures are only a temporary solution. A window secured with makeshift materials will allow you to get to a garage or service center, but full restoration of the mechanism is possible only after repairing or replacing the power window. The main thing is not to leave the car with an open window, especially if it's parked outside. Even a simple temporary fixation of the glass is better than risking damage to the interior or losing valuable items from the car.