How to Convert Manual Windows to Electric
by Chris Shultz
Automatic windows are one of the most convenient features of vehicles today. Many vehicles still have manual windows, but luckily, installing automatic windows into your vehicle is a possibility. Many online shops and auto parts stores have custom kits that can be installed into your vehicle, depending on its make and model. Taking the time to install automatic windows can add efficiency and save you the elbow grease required to operate manual windows.
Step 1
Purchase a power window kit specifically designed to fit your vehicle's make and model.
Step 2
Read the manual for the power window kit thoroughly and ensure that you have all tools that will be needed for the installation.
Step 3
Remove the door panel by removing all of the hardware holding it in place. Remove the plastic covering down to the base of the door.
Step 4
Remove the factory mechanical regulator. To do this, punch out the screws that are holding it in place. In order to hold the glass up, insert a rubber door stopper between the window and the door.
Step 5
Remove the old regulator through the smaller hole in the door and make sure to remove all screws that fell into the bottom of the door.
Step 6
Plug the wiring harness into the new regulator and position it in the door. Do your best to align it as well as possible with the existing holes in the door from the manual regulator. Attach the new regulator to the door using screws.
Step 7
Repeat steps 1 to 6 on the other three doors.
Step 8
Cover the hole left by the removed manual window crank with the template decal provided in the kit. Drill through the markings on the template decal to make holes that will hold screws to hold the switches to the panel.
Step 9
Use a razor or hot blade to create holes in the template to house the switches. Insert the switches into the back end of the panel and apply foam in order to prevent shorts in the wiring.
Step 10
Finally, secure the template and panel housing the switches to the door.
Step 11
Repeat steps 8 to 10 for the other three doors.
Step 12
Ground the power window system to the factory ground lug in your vehicle.
Step 13
Power your window system by accessing the ignition switch wire. Connect all of the plugs into the doors.
Step 14
Re-install the plastic covering and door panels.
References
Tips
- Don't forget to test your assembly when at all possible. Testing is important before reinstalling the door panels in order to not put them back on while the system is not working properly.
Things You'll Need
- Power Window Kit
- Knife
- Test Lights
- Electric Drill
- Insulation
- Sockets
Writer Bio
Chris Shultz has been writing since 2005. He received his B.S. in economics from West Virginia University and is pursuing a master's degree in business administration. He has experience as an intern working with marketing research and logistics for an international food exporter and is working as a graduate advising assistant at the College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University.
