Sometimes, you can hear the loud clicking sound from the car windows while rolling these up and down. The issue usually comes in one or two windows, depending on the extent of faulty components.
Car window making a clicking noise can be due to a broken window track, loose and misaligned parts, worn-out weather stripping, faulty window motor, bad switches or relays, damaged window regulators, and electric problems.
I also faced the issue while driving my car in the afternoon. I pressed the button to open it for the drive-thru, and it started making a strange ticking sound. I opened the door panel and realized the sound was coming from the faulty relay.
| Causes | Solutions |
| Broken window track | Lubrication |
| Loose or misaligned parts | Avoid driving on bumpy roads |
| Worn-out weather stripping | Avoid pressure washing |
| Faulty window motor | Replace burnt-out motor |
| Issue with switches | Repair corroded switches with electric cleaners |
| Damaged window regulators | Replace damaged window regulators |
| Electric issues | Ensure secure connection of electric wires with motors |
| Dirty window tracks | Keep window tracks clean with a brush |
Broken window track
These are the grooves that provide specific tracks for window gliding. Sometimes, these tracks can get damaged and do not allow their smooth movement. You can hear the clicking noise while rolling car windows up and down for drive-thru and fresh air.
You can hear clicking because broken or damaged tracks do not allow the glass to move smoothly.
The broken track issue comes from dirt and dust buildup in the grooved area. In addition, these can also break because of age-related wear and tear.
Constant up-and-down movement increases the risk of deterioration of tracks. Moreover, they are vulnerable to wear and tear from harsh environmental conditions.
Harsh weather conditions lead to rusting, which also weakens the metal. My friend also faced the same issue two years back when he forcefully tried to close the driver-side window. It got stuck in the open position because of the bent track or debris presence.
He complained that he heard the loud grounding noise while closing it forcefully. The grinding sound came because of broken metal parts from the sides.
Moreover, the problem also comes because of poor lubrication of their parts. Insufficient lubrication increases the friction between the glass and the track, which causes the metal parts to deteriorate.
You should lubricate its parts properly for smooth up-and-down movement of glass. Avoid operating these forcefully because it can increase the risk of damage. Open the door panel and inspect it properly to find the cause of the problem.
Loose or misaligned parts
Loose and misaligned car window parts increase the risk of clicking noise. Door panels contain different components, including regulators and motors, that allow up and down movement.
Loose and misaligned parts cause their irregular operation, and you can hear the strange noise while opening and closing.
Misalignment issues arise because of accidental impacts. Severe accidental cases affect their position and can also damage the mounting points.
Alignment problems can come because of weather changes that allow the contraction and expansion of glass material. Moreover, long-term driving on unpaved roads affects their correct alignment.
It is better to visit the dealerships for their correct alignment. Avoid driving over bumpy roads for longer because vibratory motion decreases the durability of several parts.
Worn-out weather stripping
Car windows contain rubber seals known as weather stripping on their sides to protect interior parts. This weather stripping does not allow noise to come inside the passenger cabin.
In addition, it also reduces the risk of condensation and moisture buildup during the rainy season and while traveling in highly humid places.
It cannot move upward or downward because of the worn-out weather-stripping material. You can significantly hear the clicking sound because of worn-out weather-stripping obstruction.
These can wear out because of harsh weather conditions, including exposure to acid rain and ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, expansion and contraction of glass material because of seasonal changes also increase the risk of damage.
You can reduce the likelihood of weather-stripping damages by avoiding pressure washing. I prefer to visit the service centers monthly for deep washing, but I always recommend the mechanics not use pressure washing for exterior window cleaning because it increases the chances of damaged seals.
Faulty window motor
The window motor is located inside the door panels, which provide the power for their up and down movement. These motors are directly connected to a power switch on the door panels.
One of my friends complained that he heard the clicking noise while rolling his window up. He opened the door panel to check the internal parts. He told me the internal assembly was poorly corroded, and I cleaned it with contact cleaners.
Corrosion was causing the gear to slip, and the glass was not moving upward. However, sometimes issues can also arise because of burnt-out motor parts.
These can burn out because of moisture exposure and regular use. You have to replace the burnt-out motor with a new one because it cannot supply the power to the relay.
Issue with switches
Switches or relays that are used to operate car windows are located on the door panels. These switches take power from the electric motors and engage the regulator assembly for up and down movement.
You hear the clicking sound when pressing the switch for their opening. The damaged switch does not allow the regulator assembly and cables to engage properly.
Relays or switches can become bad because of their regular usage. In addition, issues can also come because of damaged motors that cannot supply electric power.
Switches can break during accidental impacts or when something hits the car doors. Corrosion can also come on their contact points because of moisture exposure.
You can only repair the corroded switches by removing the corrosion from their surfaces. You have to replace the damaged or broken relays with new ones for the windows to function correctly.
Damaged window regulators
Window regulators are mechanical assemblies that contain cables to move the glass up and down after taking power from the motor.
Moreover, these are also mounted inside the door panel. Failed regulators do not allow for a smooth closing, and you hear a loud clicking noise from car windows after pressing the electric relay.
Mechanical regulators fail to perform efficiently because of exposure to cold weather. The issue also comes because of cable detachment.
These are vulnerable to overheating because of overuse and stress on their components. Overheating issues can lead to the failure of regulators.
You cannot fix the broken cables or burnt-out window regulators because these are not repairable. Open the door panels or hire an expert mechanic to inspect damaged parts.
It is better to replace these regulators when you feel a burning smell from their parts.
Electric issues
Windows in your car take power from your vehicles for their functioning. These cannot move up and down properly because of insufficient power supply.
Electric motors supply electricity to these power windows. The electric issue comes because of damaged electric wires and a blown-out fuse.
Moreover, you can face problems because of dead and undercharged batteries and failed alternators. You should check the wires running towards the electric motors and ensure their connection.
Dirty window tracks
Dirty window tracks restrict the smooth window movement and produce a clicking noise.
Dirt and debris can accumulate in their grooves with time. Moreover, these are also vulnerable to rusting because of exposure to environmental elements.
My friend told me he always sprays the WD-40 lubricant on car window tracks to reduce the friction between the glass and metal material. He told me he used the bristled brush to remove debris from the grooves.
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