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I have a 2002 Ford Focus sedan import from Singapore with 97,000km. There is a problem with the electric window mechanism which can fail and cause the window to fall into the door.

A complete new regulator/motor assembly is required to fix it - the cost for the new window plus installation is around $650 (per window)!

Gerry

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

One of the downsides of the modern motor car is when components like this fail, the costs of repairs can be very high. In this case the electric motor and regulator will be manufactured and designed to be fitted as one complete unit - hence the large cost.

Not sure about a Focus out of Singapore, but car dismantlers are always a good source for these types of replacement parts at prices less than retail.

In my experience these sorts of failures are not just confined to one particular make or model of vehicle and quite often the problem starts with the motor / regular assembly working itself loose from its mounting points. If the window starts to sit unevenly in the door frame or a noise is heard during operation, then it's often a sign there's a problem that can escalate into an expensive repair if left unattended.

There's still a lot to be said about the good old fashion manual window winder mechanism.