Window switches have separate contacts for up and down that wear over time. Vehicles with auto up/down put extra load on the system — especially at the top and bottom of travel where the motor briefly stalls.

• Worn switch contacts can fail in one direction only
• Auto up/down accelerates wear on both switch and motor
• Can also contribute to internal gear wear (common in Mazda)

A very common failure point — especially in Mazdas, certain Ford models, and the Holden Viva. Inside many window motors are plastic drive gears that can wear down or snap teeth completely.

Since lifting the window requires more force than lowering it, a partially stripped gear will often still drop the window — but can't bring it back up.

• Motor noise but no movement
• Clicking or spinning sound inside the door

The regulator is the mechanism that physically lifts the glass. If it becomes worn, bent, or stiff, the motor can push the window down but struggles to bring it back up.

• Window was getting progressively slower before stopping
• Grinding or scraping noise during operation

The wiring between the body and door flexes every time the door opens and closes. Over time, wires can break internally — often affecting only one direction.

• Fault may be intermittent at first
• Can affect up or down independently