How Power Window Motors Work

By Martha Phillips


Power windows are windows in an automobile that can be controlled by a button. Older vehicles that did not have this mechanism used a crank to get the windows to open and shut. Power window motors are the mechanisms that allow them to move up and down or to open and close.

Most vehicles today employ the use of this mechanism. They are not only more convenient but allow people with disabilities better control over their automobile. Sometimes, all access panels will be located at the front of the car to automatically shut the windows whenever there are children or pets at the back. This keeps them shut even if the passengers press the buttons by accident.

The main instrument enabling this feature to function is the lifting mechanism. An electric motor linked to a worm gear also attached to a host of other gears generates enough torque to move the window. Essentially, torque is just rotational force.

Some important security features have also been installed into the motors. For example, the windows cannot be forced open and neither can they move unless the engine starts. These features effectively discourage theft and ensure that only drivers and their passengers have access to their vehicles.

The older cranking system certainly has something to do with the term, rolling down the window. Back then, drivers could signal other drivers to turn down their windows by mimicking the rotating of the crank that most cars used to have instead of the buttons we have now. Today, some drivers and pedestrians no longer understand this signal.

Because there are so much variations of this feature today, the power motors on other vehicles do not work as well as the rest. Consequently, some problems could arise with this feature causing windows to stop working. A partially open window that does not budge in a car is essentially inviting thieves to rob you. Additionally, drivers cannot leave their cars alone whenever they have to park. This can be such a hassle especially if they have things to attend to.

Most children who are curious love to play with the buttons and this can actually be a problem. Since the motor that works on the windows has been overused, it can suddenly stop functioning without warning. If your windows stop working, have them checked by mechanics. They can properly diagnose the problem and know how to ensure that they stay functional for a long time. However, if you are confident in your skills and have the right equipment, then you can certainly try fixing it yourself.

When this feature in cars was fairly unfamiliar, it had been met with harsh criticisms. There were cases of children being suffocated because they accidentally triggered the mechanism. However, we have greatly improved since then. Currently, the panels in the front seat come with many neat features. Some of these safety features include automatic locks or child lock up.

Uncovering the door panel to see the gears working together in the power motor can be quite amusing. It truly allows you to applaud the ingenuity of the engineers behind the invention. Certainly, we will have more developments like these in our vehicles in the future.




About the Author: