It can be annoying to realize that your Tesla window opens on its own after you’ve closed it.
When you try rolling it back up, it just keeps rolling down. Or the windows simply open after you’ve left and locked your car.
Power car windows are convenient to open or close using a button instead of manually rolling up or down using a window winder. However, just like other mechanical parts, auto-power windows can malfunction, possibly causing a window to roll down itself after rolling up.
According to the Tesla forum, here are the common reasons your car windows open after you’ve closed them and how you can fix the problem.
Why Does Tesla Window Opens When I Close It?
Reason 1: Bad window motor
When you notice that your car’s window opens after you’ve closed it, the first culprit to suspect is a malfunctioning window motor. Typically the motor is the component responsible for making the window go up and down. If the window motor becomes faulty, your car window will not be closing when you hit the switch on the driver panel.
Furthermore, if this component of your car’s power system is damaged, it could make the affected window open by itself. A sign that you have a malfunctioning motor is if your car window opens by itself after you’ve closed it.
How to fix: Diagnose a bad window motor
- Access your power window system. You’ll need to remove the door panel to access your car’s power window system.
- Locate the power window motor.
- Use the car’s manual book to diagnose the window motor.
- If you inspect your car and determine that the power window is stuck or won’t go up because of a bad motor or switch, you’ll need to replace the latter.
- Since replacing a window motor involves specialized tools and skills to open a door panel, you can contact a professional mechanic for help.
Reason 2: Faulty window regulator
If the motor is working properly and you’ve not been messing with the window switches, then the regulator is the most likely to be the cause of the problem.
When you push the up button and the window closes but the open up, it shows that the regulator could be bad. This signals that the regulator is out of alignment. You’ll, therefore, need to replace it.
With time, regulator units are prone to failure due to wear out and damage. A car window that rolls down after you’ve rolled up signals that a failed window regulator could almost be the culprit.
How to fix: Diagnose a faulty window regulator
- Diagnose a malfunctioning window regulator through visual examination.
- Remove the car’s interior door panel to clearly view window components.
- Thoroughly inspect the regulator’s cables, mounts, pivot points, and window clamps for signs of fatigue or damage.
- If you notice any irregularity, then replace the damaged components.
- When in doubt, always contact a professional mechanic for help.
Reason 3: Bad window switch
If there is no problem with the window motor or regulator, then it might be time to check out the switches you use to close and open the windows.
A faulty or damaged window switch can cause the problem whereby your window opens after closing.
These switches can wear out, making them faulty, which may cause your car window to open without someone at the switch. The problem also be caused by electricity not coming from the switch when it is hit, thus making it impossible for your windows to function.
How to fix: Diagnose a bad window switch
- Turn off the power to the window switch.
- Remove the door panel to access the switch.
- Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the switch.
- If there is continuity, this shows that the switch is in good condition, and so you can continue checking on wiring issues as a potential cause of the problem.
- If there is no continuity, then the switch is faulty and will need to be replaced.
- Replacing a faulty window switch requires some technical abilities, so you’ll need to take your car to a mechanic for repair.
Reason 4: Electrical wiring problems
Faulty wiring is another issue that could cause your car window to roll down after rolling it up.
An electrical problem could cause the window system to misbehave. For instance, damaged wires can mean that the window opens after closing. Furthermore, a blown fuse could also be the source of the problem.
Faulty wiring can affect the functioning of your car window motor, thus causing the problem. If the motor is faulty, it may not be able to close windows properly and therefore can make the windows open by themselves.
How to fix: Diagnosing electrical wiring problems
- Disconnect the battery before checking and touching any wiring to avoid an accidental shock.
- Open up the door panel and follow the wires from the fuse box to the door switch itself.
- Look for any obvious damage to the wires, like frayed or melted insulation.
- Use a multimeter to test the wires for continuity.
- If there is no continuity, you’ll need to replace the loose, broken, or corroded wires.
- If you doubt your ability to fix this problem, then contact a professional for help.
Reason 5: Reset the power windows
Your car is equipped with auto power windows feature, which automatically opens and closes the windows when you press the window switch.
But if you notice that your automatic windows open by themselves after you’ve closed them, it’s an indication that your windows need to be reset.
Another common reason auto windows are not functioning in a car is when the 12-volt battery has been disconnected or replaced. I’ve done an article of the best 12-volt battery for tesla so if you’re thinking of a replacement, I’ve got you.
In this case, while the power windows still function, you have to manually hold the switch to fully close or open the windows. You, therefore, need to conduct a reset procedure to restore the auto functionality.
Also, when you notice that the window opens after it has been fully closed, the issue can be caused by a faulty door latch not securely closing the window or a malfunction in the power window system.
How to fix: Reset the window system
- Turn on the ignition key to start your car.
- Close all doors and windows.
- Press and hold down the window control switch until the window is fully opened. Keep pressing the switch for some seconds when the window is fully opened. Release the switch, then press and hold it again for some seconds.
- Lift and hold the window control switch to close the window. When the window is fully rolled up, keep the switch held for some seconds. Release the switch, and then press it up again and hold it.
- The reset will be complete, and your automatic power windows will restore their full functionality.
- You can consult your car’s manual book on how to make this happen.
- If you doubt your ability, contact your local dealer or a professional mechanic for help.
Reason 6: You accidentally pressed the unlock button
Lastly, chances are that you might have pressed your car’s key fob and, as a result, caused this window problem to happen.
Tesla cars have the ability to automatically close down the windows when you press and hold the unlock button on your key fob. This feature also helps when you want to let some air into your car before getting in. However, it’s easy to accidentally press this unlock button and, therefore, open your windows after you’ve closed them.
How to fix: User knowledge
- Understand how you can carry your keys not to press any of the buttons accidentally.
- Or consult your car’s manual book on how you can disable the feature.
My Final Thoughts
Auto windows opening by themselves after closing is a fairly common problem, and you should expect it to happen.
In most cases, the problem occurs due to wear and tear as a result of a bad window motor, faulty window regulator, bad window switch, electrical wiring problems, faulty power windows, and user error.
If you’re able to do some basic repairs yourself, then you can save yourself a lot of funds by fixing the power windows on your vehicle.
If you need help fixing the issue, please contact a trusted mechanic as soon as possible.