How To Replace A Jeep Grand Cherokee Power Window Regulator

 

In a staggering majority of vehicles on the road today, window regulators have replaced the hand cranks of old to be the standard method of opening and closing your windows. Nowadays, Jeep offers automatic windows as standard in every one of its models, from its premium trail-rated luxury Grand Cherokee to the rugged Wrangler. It should come as no surprise that Jeep has fully embraced the technology and, much like every other part in your Jeep, your window regulators were made tough and built to last. But, like every other mechanical device, there will eventually be a day when they don’t show up with the same enthusiasm as you, or they cease to work altogether.

The symptoms of a failing window regulator include: the windows rolling up too slowly or too quickly, the window rising or descending at an angle or not staying up at all, taking multiple presses of the switch to get a response from the regulator, or just a clicking sound with no other reaction from the window. Determining that your problem lies with a faulty regulator, you can expect to pay between $400-$500 for a dealer mechanic to install a replacement. 

The good news? You can make this repair yourself for just the cost of parts, which is likely to be under $200. 
Essentials:

  • New Power Window Regulator
  • Needle-nose or small pliers
  • T-25 torx driver
  • Socket wrench with 10mm & 8mm sockets
  • Phillips & Flat Head Screw Drivers
  • Mini Crowbar a.k.a "Wonder Bar" (recommended)

Replacing Your Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ Power Window Regulator

Here are some general instructions to refer to when replacing your Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ power window regulator:

Step 1 - The first step is to remove the 3 screws that keep the door panel attached. One screw is behind the plastic covering near your side view mirror, the second screw is in the armrest, and the third is a torx screw located underneath your door handle. To remove the torx screw, you must pull the door handle up and then remove the torx screw.

Step 2 - The next step is prying the door panel from the door frame. This task can be a little tricky and you should be careful not to break the plastic clips holding the panel to the door. A mini crow bar seems to be the best tool to pry your door panel off, although you may have success with a flat head screw driver. Some of the plastic door panel fasteners may break in the process, but don't worry too much because they are inexpensive to replace.

Step 3 - Next, disconnect everything attached the your door panel. These items include mirror cable, door and lock buttons, and the power window cable. Once you have all the cables disconnected from the panel, you need to remove the metal connecting rods used for the door handle and lock. Find the small plastic clips the are attached to the metal rods and push them up while turning them slightly to the side. Once this is done you should be able to pull the metal rods straight up and out.

Step 4 - Remove the speaker and moisture barrier. The speaker assembly consists of 4 screws and a connector plug. Once you have the speaker assembly removed your now ready to remove the moisture barrier. It's the plastic covering that resides between the door panel and the door frame. Slowly peel this plastic covering off paying special attention to keeping the adhesive attached to the plastic. This way you will be able to easily reattach it once you're finished with the install. If for some reason your not able to keep the glue attached you can always purchase some from your local hardware store.

Step 5 - Remove the interior rubber seal located in the bottom window groove by simply prying it up and pulling the seal out. The rubber seal located on the exterior of the window groove should be left alone as it's not necessary to remove.

Step 6 - Next, look inside the hole and look for the broken window regulator. If you are having trouble finding the regulator, it may be easier to retry once the window is down. Find the two brackets that are attached to the window regulator and window. You should see a metal clip attached to the plastic receiver with two pins. Pull/pry the pins out on both sides.

Step 7 - Once the metal pins are removed your window, should be free from any attachment. You will need to hold your window up and out of the way to complete the install. A good trick to hold the window up is by sticking a piece of tape to the window glass, then over the window frame, then back to the other side of the window glass. Painters tape works well because it's strong and doesn't leave a sticky residue on your vehicles paint or glass.

Step 8 - Unplug the power window/lock controls from your power window motor.

Step 9 - Next, unscrew the 4 -10mm bolts that attach your power window regulator to the door.

Step 10 - Once you have all the screws removed, you are now ready to remove the regulator and motor assembly from the door. Tilt the assembly sideways and remove it through the hole below the speaker.

Step 11 - The next step is to remove the power window motor from the regulator assembly. Simply unscrew the 3 8mm bolts that attach the motor to the regulator.

Step 12 - Next, attach your power window motor to the new window regulator. It should line up the same way as your old regulator did.

Step 13 - Reinstall all the Jeep parts in reverse order and you're done.

 

This repair can be a bit frustrating at times, particularly when trying to reach the regulator bolts within the door and maneuvering the old window regulator out and wiggling the new one into place. However, just keeping in mind that you’re saving hundreds of dollars and gaining the satisfaction of doing it yourself should be all you need to get through any frustration with this job.

Pro tip: Have a cold drink ready for when this fix is complete.

 

Copyright Article by Morris 4x4 Center.