You may have heard the rumor that if you drive with your windows down and your radio on, you’ll get free gas. The truth is, it doesn’t work. But that’s not to say it’s impossible for your car to get free gas — in fact, it happens quite often.

Car windows rolling down by themselves are usually signs of a problem with either the power window motor or the window regulator (which controls the movement of the window). If you’re having an issue with your power windows, these steps will help you diagnose and fix it.

Before we begin: Make sure that all power sources are disconnected before doing any work on your car. This includes disconnecting the battery and/or unplugging any electrical components from their respective plugs. Also check that all wiring harnesses are safely tucked away behind panels before attempting any electrical repairs.

Start by checking each fuse in your car’s fuse box. If one is blown out (i.e., no longer intact), replace it with a new one (usually about $4 at auto parts stores). You can also check for blown fuses in hard-to-reach areas by using a multimeter (about $20) or circuit tester.

Last modified: November 15, 2022