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Jeep Wrangler JK: Why is My Power Window Not Working?

Has your power window decided to stop working on a cold, rainy day? This article will help you diagnose and correct the problem to get your window rolling smoothly again.

By Brett Foote - November 25, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-Present).

Power windows are a useful daily-use feature in all modern cars. It's something that you don't really appreciate until it's not there anymore. Case in point, when power windows fail, it tends to be right before a rainstorm is heading your way. Fortunately, power windows are designed pretty much the exact same across all brands of vehicle, making them easy to troubleshoot. If your power windows are out of commission, it's time to get them back in order.

Materials Needed

  • Voltmeter
  • Assorted basic wrench/socket sizes
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Panel removal tool or flat head screwdriver
  • Wire crimps and crimping tool

Step 1 – Turn the ignition off and back on

Your switch might simply be overheated.

Many JK owners have had their power windows suddenly stop working, but after turning the ignition off and back on, the window starts working again. This can happen because the power window switch has a temperature control. The switch will shut off if it gets too hot, which could overload the circuit and cause damage, even burning up the motor. In some cases, you might also need to disconnect the battery cables to reset the relay module. This will reset the computer and can cause your windows to work once again.

Figure 1. Disconnect the battery to reset the control module.

If restarting the car and resetting the battery doesn't work, move on to Step 2.

Step 2 – Check wiring and power to components

You might not be getting power to the switch or motor.

Before you start buying parts, check to see if they are getting power by using a voltmeter. Check to make sure you are getting power at the motor and the power window switch. If you have power at the components but they don't work, they will need to be replaced.

Also, visually check to make sure that you don't have any loose or damaged wires, including the wire loom that runs through the door jamb into the door. If you find that wires have been cut or damaged, you can simply splice them back together or replace the damaged section. Check the condition of your wiring harness and replace if needed.

Figure 2. Check your wiring and ensure you have power at the switch as well as motor.

If your wiring is in good shape and you have power, move on to Step 3.

Step 3 – Check your window switch cluster

A bad cluster can cause your window to stop working.

Wrangler JKs have a power window switch cluster located in the dashboard. If this switch fails, it can cause one or more of your windows to stop working. To check your cluster, you must take resistance readings. Here is a handy spreadsheet that shows the resistances of a defective cluster, and is the pinout of the module:

Pin Circuit Description

  1. WDO - Master CTRL RR RT UP
  2. WDO - Master CTRL RR RT DN
  3. WDO - Window Down FT Pass
  4. Ground Z910
  5. WDO - PWR Window SW Lock
  6. ILT - Dimming 3 (IP)
  7. WDO - Window Up FT Pass
  8. WDO - Master CTRL RR LT Up
  9. WDO - Master CTRL RR LT Down
  10. No Connection
  11. No connection
  12. Power - IGN_RA - F30
  13. WDO - Window Down FT Driver
  14. WDO - Window Up FT Driver

If only your rear windows don't work, move on to Step 4.

Step 4 – Check the connector underneath your console

The connector can come unhooked, causing the rear windows to stop working.

There is a connector underneath the center console that transfers power to the rear windows. To reach it, remove the four bolts that hold the console in place and lift up the rear of the console. The connector can come undone rather easily, which would cause both rear windows to stop working.

Figure 3. Check your rear window connector located underneath the rear console.

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