Rear Window Motor

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KimT

New Member
Posts
6
Location
London
I have a petrol W reg Freelander.
The rear window motor makes a whirring sound when I press the button and open the door but the window seems stuck.
I would like to repair this so am looking for advice on what to do or who to take it to.
Thank you.
 
Sounds like the "regulator" (the wires/cords that move it up and down) have broken/snapped.

You'll need a new regulator and a garage to fit it or get the spanners out and fit yourself.
 
Inclined to agree with GrumpyGel, since you can still hear the motor working when you press the button it's unlikely to be the motor itself.
The repair process is straightforward enough to attempt yourself, if very fiddly
What you need:
Seriously, find your radio security code. It's likely to be in the documentation, and possibly scribbled on the front page of your owner's manual.

First gently push the glass down until it retracts enough to safely open the door, maybe have someone operate the button while you do just to see if it helps carry it down a little. Open the boot when you are able. Under the boot trim you'll find several screws; undo them all and remove the trim. Take the trim off to reveal the metal boot door. There will be a large gap on the right side, this is how you get the regulator in and out. Start by checking the existing regulator for any fraying or cables that are no longer set, you might try using a regulator repair kit but if you're going to all this trouble, might as well start anew? Release the glass from the heating elements (if applicable) and the claws on the regulator holding the glass, then slide it out of the top of the door. The regulator itself is held via a series of bolts poking back at you against the inside of the door, so undo them and feed the regulator through that hole you saw earlier. Disconnect the motor and attach it to the new part. Then it's just a matter of reversing all of the steps you did to get to this point; feed the regulator back in the same way round the old one came out, bolt everything back to the door, pop the glass in to the new claws, re-attach the trim and shut the door. Mechanics complete.

So now you just get back in the driver's seat and enjoy a fresh, spicy tailgate window? Maybe, but it might throw a fit over the new part and retract completely; likely accompanied by a couple of beeps. The car is annoyed that the rear window isn't where it thinks it is, and for it's own safety it's opening it all the way to prevent any smashing of glass. But you're alright because you went and found your radio security code didn't you? So what you'll do is pop the bonnet and:
  • Disconnect the battery
  • Wait 10 seconds
  • Reconnect the battery
At this point the window may go down all the way all on it's own. Regardless;
  • Start the car
  • Turn all lights, blowers off
  • Rev to 1500 for 10 seconds
  • Holding the rev;
  • Press and hold the button until the window is fully up
  • Press and hold the button until the window is fully down
At this point you may get a buzzer, and the window might reset itself again. Just give it another try. If it stays up the second time: congratulations, you now have a working tailgate. Let the engine idle for a little bit then kill the ignition. Disconnecting the battery also likely disabled your radio, so put your radio code in and blast some bangers

Difficulty: 4/10
Fiddliness: 7/10
Resulting fun: 10/10
 
Last edited:
Inclined to agree with GrumpyGel, since you can still hear the motor working when you press the button it's unlikely to be the motor itself.
The repair process is straightforward enough to attempt yourself, if very fiddly
What you need:
Seriously, find your radio security code. It's likely to be in the documentation, and possibly scribbled on the front page of your owner's manual.

First gently push the glass down until it retracts enough to safely open the door, maybe have someone operate the button while you do just to see if it helps carry it down a little. Open the boot when you are able. Under the boot trim you'll find several screws; undo them all and remove the trim. Take the trim off to reveal the metal boot door. There will be a large gap on the right side, this is how you get the regulator in and out. Start by checking the existing regulator for any fraying or cables that are no longer set, you might try using a regulator repair kit but if you're going to all this trouble, might as well start anew? Release the glass from the heating elements (if applicable) and the claws on the regulator holding the glass, then slide it out of the top of the door. The regulator itself is held via a series of bolts poking back at you against the inside of the door, so undo them and feed the regulator through that hole you saw earlier. Disconnect the motor and attach it to the new part. Then it's just a matter of reversing all of the steps you did to get to this point; feed the regulator back in the same way round the old one came out, bolt everything back to the door, pop the glass in to the new claws, re-attach the trim and shut the door. Mechanics complete.

So now you just get back in the driver's seat and enjoy a fresh, spicy tailgate window? Maybe, but it might throw a fit over the new part and retract completely; likely accompanied by a couple of beeps. The car is annoyed that the rear window isn't where it thinks it is, and for it's own safety it's opening it all the way to prevent any smashing of glass. But you're alright because you went and found your radio security code didn't you? So what you'll do is pop the bonnet and:
  • Disconnect the battery
  • Wait 10 seconds
  • Reconnect the battery
At this point the window may go down all the way all on it's own. Regardless;
  • Start the car
  • Turn all lights, blowers off
  • Rev to 1500 for 10 seconds
  • Holding the rev;
  • Press and hold the button until the window is fully up
  • Press and hold the button until the window is fully down
At this point you may get a buzzer, and the window might reset itself again. Just give it another try. If it stays up the second time: congratulations, you now have a working tailgate. Let the engine idle for a little bit then kill the ignition. Disconnecting the battery also likely disabled your radio, so put your radio code in and blast some bangers

Difficulty: 4/10
Fiddliness: 7/10
Resulting fun: 10/10

Thank you for the detailed procedure. It has given me the confidence to give it a go.
 
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